The importance of selenium for periodontal disease and other dental conditions

Healthy teeth are important for overall health and appearance. In this context, the trace element selenium plays a protective role in dental health through the immune system, regulation of inflammation, and its function as an antioxidant that protects cells and tissues from damage caused by oxidative stress. Selenium supplementation may therefore be a promising therapy for improving dental health and as part of the treatment of periodontal disease and other dental conditions, according to a review article published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Disease. There are also indications that additional supplementation with Q10 may improve the effect on dental health.

Dental diseases are a worldwide problem, with periodontal disease being the leading cause of tooth loss among adults and older people. Periodontal disease develops slowly because harmful anaerobic bacteria in the gum pockets produce enzymes that break down bone and the structures that support the teeth. The immune system responds with inflammation, and if the condition becomes chronic, the gum pockets become even deeper, eventually causing the teeth to lose their support and, in the worst cases, fall out.
Overall, chronic inflammation results in constant exposure to free radicals, with the risk of oxidative stress. This is a condition in which free radicals are out of control and can also attack cells and tissues through chain reactions elsewhere in the body.
Periodontal disease can, in general, harm overall health. Through lesions in the mucous membranes of the mouth, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. If there is already damage to the heart valves or the inner lining of the heart, the bacteria can also attach themselves and cause a slow-developing, potentially life-threatening infection of the heart valves and inner lining (infective endocarditis), which requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
There is therefore a close connection between the oral microbiome, heart infections, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

Selenium has several roles in relation to periodontal disease

Although there may be several causes of periodontal disease, the nutritional content of the diet has received increasing attention among researchers. The new review article therefore aimed to investigate the effects of selenium more closely. Selenium is incorporated into a number of selenium-containing proteins and antioxidants with several functions related to dental health. Because selenium deficiency is relatively widespread, the researchers examined a number of relevant studies, including studies on selenium supplementation, which can be summarized as follows:

1. Selenium's role in oral health
Selenium plays a role in the immune system and inflammatory processes that normally help fight harmful bacteria. In addition, selenium plays a role in ensuring that inflammatory processes are brought to an end in time so that they do not become chronic and harmful to health.
The researchers therefore conclude that selenium plays important roles in oral health, including the health of the teeth, mucous membranes, saliva, and salivary glands.

2. Analysis of selenium-containing antioxidants and a new marker for periodontal disease
Selenium is incorporated into several different antioxidants that can neutralize harmful free radicals. In this context, the antioxidant GPX (glutathione peroxidase) has received the most attention, as reduced levels in saliva can be used as a marker of periodontal disease. Selenoproteins such as TrxR, SelenoS, and SelenoF also play important roles as antioxidants and in preventing chronic inflammation in the oral cavity and elsewhere in the body.

3. Evaluation of selenium supplementation to improve periodontal treatment
Selenium supplementation, particularly in the form of nanoparticles, may therefore represent a new and promising complementary therapy for improving overall dental health.
A previous study published in Biological Trace Element Research similarly found an association between low blood levels of selenium and oxidative stress in patients with stage III–IV periodontal disease.

Selenium sources, supplementation, and improving the effect with Q10

Good sources of selenium include eggs, organ meats, meat, fish, shellfish, and Brazil nuts. In our part of the world, the selenium content of grains and other crops is low due to selenium-poor soil, which contributes to widespread selenium deficiency.
Many studies have provided 100–200 micrograms of selenium per day, particularly in the form of selenium yeast, which provides better utilization. However, it is also important not to consume too much selenium, and according to EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority), the upper daily limit is 300 micrograms.
There are also strong indications that the effect of selenium supplementation may be improved when Q10 supplements are taken at the same time. This is partly because Q10 deficiency is also common among patients with periodontal disease, and partly because selenium enhances the effect of Q10 in cellular energy metabolism and as an antioxidant.

References:

Rui Manuel Rua et al. Selenium in periodontal health and disease:
A Narrative Review. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Diseases. 2026

Mehmetcan Uytun et al. Serum Selenium levels and Oxidative stress in Periodontitis Stage III-IV. Biological Trace Element Research. 2025

Gaurav Pandav et al. Evaluation of the Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 in the management of Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinical Study. Dental Journal of Advanced Studies. 2021