Subscribe to Life Extension Magazine®

Life Extension Magazine®

Better Health Starts in the Mouth

Poor oral hygiene is linked to chronic conditions. A novel toothpaste provides a spectrum of nutrients and botanicals to help improve oral health.

Scientifically reviewed by: Gary Gonzalez, MD, in September 2026. Written by: Heather L. Makar.

Brushing teeth isn't just about fighting cavities.

Poor oral health is associated with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.1,2

While standard toothpastes are effective for cavity prevention and plaque control, researchers have developed a nutrient-rich toothpaste that combines innovative ingredients, including botanical extracts, to support gum and systemic health.

Recent studies help corroborate these findings.

Whole-Body Impact of Oral Health

Poor oral health is associated with systemic inflammation and may allow harmful bacteria to flourish, which is associated with worsening of conditions including:

  • Respiratory infections: Oral bacteria in saliva can be aspirated into the lungs, causing pneumonia. Meta-analytic evidence shows that comprehensive oral care reduces hospital-acquired pneumonia by approximately 33%, with some individual studies in elderly nursing home residents reporting even larger reductions.3,4
  • Heart disease and stroke: Oral bacteria have been detected in atherosclerotic plaque, a driver of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. People with periodontal disease show elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker associated with cardiovascular events.5-7
  • Diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, gum disease is associated with a higher mortality risk. Periodontal treatment in clinical studies modestly but statistically significantly reduced HbA1c, a long-term measure of glucose levels.8,9
  • Cancer: Observational studies and meta- analyses link gum disease with increased risk of pancreatic, lung, esophageal, colorectal, and bladder cancers.10,11
  • Cognitive decline: Oral pathogens have been found in human brain tissue, and population studies show an association between periodontal disease and risk of Alzheimer's disease.12,13

Maintaining good oral health—through regular brushing, professional dental care, and evidence-based oral hygiene practices—may help reduce the systemic inflammatory burden.

Green Tea’s Multi-Action Protection

Catechins, compounds found in green tea, slow the growth of cavity-related bacteria, make it harder for them to stick to teeth, and reduce the acids these bacteria produce.14,15

In a clinical trial, rinsing with green tea alongside regular brushing significantly reduced plaque and gum bleeding in four weeks, compared to brushing alone.16

In another clinical trial, a green tea-based rinse performed on par with chlorhexidine, the gold standard in fighting oral bacteria, for reducing plaque, tongue coating, and bad breath.17

EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), the most abundant catechin in green tea, has been shown to inhibit the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma (the most common oral cancer) and to trigger cancer cell death in preclinical studies. In mice, EGCG treatment significantly reduced oral tumor size.18

CoQ10’s Healing Power

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may improve symptoms of periodontitis (advanced gum disease) when used as an adjunct to professional cleaning.19 In early clinical research in periodontitis patients, just one week of treatment with CoQ10 was associated with post-biopsy gum healing. The researchers remarked, "the biopsy sites were difficult to locate."20

A clinical trial in periodontitis patients found improvements in gingival redness, bleeding, and bacterial enzyme activity after topical CoQ10 application to periodontal pockets, compared to placebo.21

Several other clinical trials using subgingival CoQ10 gel application alongside scaling and root planing (a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure) reported significant improvements in bleeding, plaque, probing depth, and clinical attachment level compared to scaling and root planing alone.19

A 2025 systematic review of 10 randomized controlled trials found that, after twelve weeks, daily oral supplementation with CoQ10 resulted in better periodontal health.22

Lactoferrin and Xylitol Banish Bad Bacteria

The immune-supporting protein lactoferrin helps fight infection and tissue damage associated with periodontal disease.23,24

Lactoferrin can bind to periodontitis-causing bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, inhibiting their growth and biofilm formation.25

Xylitol, a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener, actively fights harmful bacteria. In a systematic review of clinical studies, habitual xylitol consumption was found to decrease salivary mutans streptococci, the primary bacterial strain that drives tooth decay.26

Long-term studies support xylitol's role in caries prevention. A 2024 meta-analysis of 15 studies (6,325 participants) found that sugar alcohols, particularly xylitol, had a significant effect in preventing dental caries compared to no treatment/placebo.27

A randomized trial in high-caries-risk adults found that one year of low-dose xylitol chewing gum resulted in significantly lower caries increment compared to control.28

Hydrogen Peroxide and Aloe Vera Clean and Heal

The antiseptic hydrogen peroxide inhibited plaque and reduced gingivitis in a clinical study.29 Its bubbling action exposes oral bacteria that are difficult to reach with ordinary brushing and flossing, helping clean teeth and gums.

What You Need To Know

Building a Better Toothpaste

  • Poor oral health correlates with higher risk of cardiovascular disease, impaired blood sugar control, cognitive decline, respiratory infections, and some cancers.
  • A toothpaste containing green tea, CoQ10, lactoferrin, xylitol, hydrogen peroxide, and other ingredients may help reduce plaque and gum inflamma tion, help inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria, and reduce cavities.
  • Together, these ingredients may help support better oral and whole-body health.

Good Oral Health May Lower Pancreatic Cancer Risk

Pancreatic cancer remains among the deadliest cancers, with approximately 49,000 deaths annually in the United States.49

Poor oral health is associated with a modestly increased risk of pancreatic cancer, with meta-analyses showing approximately 1.38–1.74-fold elevated risk among those with periodontal disease.50,51 As of 2015, when pancreatic cancer was detected having already spread beyond the pancreas (metastasis), the 5-year survival rate was approximately 3%.52

A NYU research team led by Dr. Richard Hayes analyzed oral wash samples from 445 participants who later developed pancreatic cancer and matched cancer-free controls. A microbial risk score was developed based on 27 oral bacterial and fungal species. A one-standard deviation increase in the microbial risk score was associated with up to a 3.44-fold increased risk of pancreatic cancer.53 An earlier observational study had also found an association between oral pathogens and pancreatic cancer.54

Long used to treat burns, topically applied aloe vera may soothe and heal gum tissue.30 A review found that aloe vera inhibits tooth decay and periodontal pathogens.31

Additional Protective Nutrients

Other ingredients applied topically also support oral health:

  • Folic acid (also known as folate or vitamin B9): Topical folic acid mouthwash reduced gingival redness and bleeding and improved gum health in people with gum disease, though evidence remains limited.32,33
  • Vitamin E: Vitamin E may help support healing after dental procedures and protect periodontal tissues as an antioxidant.32-34
  • Clove leaf oil: Has been used traditionally for dental pain relief and provides a numbing effect for those with sensitive gums. It exhibits antibacterial activity against oral pathogens and may reduce inflammation in gum tissues.35,36

Together, all these ingredients may help support better oral and whole-body health.

Summary

Good oral health may help support overall health and is associated with lower risk of conditions including diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and cognitive decline.

A toothpaste containing green tea extract, CoQ10, lactoferrin, xylitol, hydrogen peroxide, aloe vera, and other nutrients may help improve oral health by:

  • Fighting harmful bacteria,
  • Reducing inflammation, and
  • Supporting tissue healing.

These nutrients may help maintain an oral environment that protects your smile and overall health.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

What’s Really in Your Toothpaste?

Not all toothpastes are created equal. Many emphasize foam, flavor, and heavy polishing, which may contribute to oral irritation and enamel wear, depending on the formulation. Use this list to spot less-helpful additives and choose nutrient-forward options that support a healthier oral environment and better whole-body health.

Common Commercial Ingredients:

  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent that can cause irritation, peeling of the mouth lining, and inflammation of the oral tissues.37
  • Abrasive polishing agents (hydrated silica, calcium carbonate): Help remove stains but can increase surface wear on enamel and dentin depending on the formulation and concentration used.38,39 •
  • Titanium dioxide: A whitening agent that the European Food Safety Authority concluded can no longer be considered safe as a food additive.40
  • Microplastics: Plastic particles reported in some toothpaste formulations.41 Research suggests that microplastics from environmental exposure may cross oral and gut barriers and accumulate in distant organs.42

Nutrient-Rich Alternatives:

  • Xylitol: A sugar alcohol that reduces cavity-causing bacteria.43,44
  • Green tea extract: Inhibits bacterial adhesion to teeth, reducing plaque.14,45
  • CoQ10: May improve periodontal status in clinical trials.19,22
  • Lactoferrin: Stops growth of periodontal pathogens.23,24
  • Hydrogen peroxide: Antiseptic action reduces plaque and gingivitis.46
  • Aloe vera: May help prevent tooth decay and promotes wound healing for oral tissues.47,48

References

  1. Diehl D. Periodontitis and Systemic Health: An Interconnected Relationship. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2026;1492:83-100.
  2. Wu Z, Zhang Y, Wang L, et al. Periodontitis and systemic diseases: insights into the correlation, mechanisms, and clinical implications. Front Immunol. 2026;17:1777955.
  3. Cao Y, Liu C, Lin J, et al. Oral care measures for preventing nursing home-acquired pneumonia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Nov 16;11(11):CD012416.
  4. Ehrenzeller S, Klompas M. Association Between Daily Toothbrushing and Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2024 Feb 1;184(2):131-42.
  5. Sanz M, Marco Del Castillo A, Jepsen S, et al. Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report. J Clin Periodontol. 2020 Mar;47(3):268-88.
  6. Ye Z, Cao Y, Miao C, et al. Periodontal therapy for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in people with periodontitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Oct 4;10(10):CD009197.
  7. Tran AH, Zaidi AH, Bolger AF, et al. Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2026 Feb 10;153(6):e73-e88.
  8. Simpson TC, Clarkson JE, Worthington HV, et al. Treatment of periodontitis for glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Apr 14;4(4):CD004714.
  9. Sanz M, Ceriello A, Buysschaert M, et al. Scientific evidence on the links between periodontal diseases and diabetes: Consensus report and guidelines of the joint workshop on periodontal diseases and diabetes by the International Diabetes Federation and the European Federation of Periodontology. J Clin Periodontol. 2018 Feb;45(2):138-49.
  10. Duan C, Wan W, Tureke M, et al. Periodontal Disease and Incidence of Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies. Int Dent J. 2026 Jun;76(3):109527.
  11. Corbella S, Veronesi P, Galimberti V, et al. Is periodontitis a risk indicator for cancer? A meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2018;13(4):e0195683.
  12. Dominy SS, Lynch C, Ermini F, et al. Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer's disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors. Sci Adv. 2019 Jan;5(1):eaau3333.
  13. Beydoun MA, Beydoun HA, Hossain S, et al. Clinical and Bacterial Markers of Periodontitis and Their Association with Incident All-Cause and Alzheimer's Disease Dementia in a Large National Survey. J Alzheimers Dis. 2020;75(1):157-72.
  14. Kuang X, Chen V, Xu X. Novel Approaches to the Control of Oral Microbial Biofilms. Biomed Res Int. 2018 2018/01/01;2018(1):6498932.
  15. Xu X, Zhou XD, Wu CD. The tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate suppresses cariogenic virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2011 Mar;55(3):1229-36.
  16. Fadel HT, AlRehaili AM, AlShanqiti MM, et al. Adjunctive Effect of Green Tea Mouthwash Prepared at Different Steeping Temperatures on Gingivitis: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Dent J (Basel). 2021 Nov 30;9(12).
  17. Sharma P, Chandrashekar BR, Mruthunjaya K, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness of green tea mouth rinse on oral halitosis, tongue coating, and plaque accumulation in comparison with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinse - A double-blind randomized control trial. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2023 May-Jun;27(3):308-14.
  18. Yoshimura H, Yoshida H, Matsuda S, et al. The therapeutic potential of epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate against human oral squamous cell carcinoma through inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis: In vitro and in vivo murine xenograft study. Mol Med Rep. 2019 Aug;20(2):1139-48.
  19. Fawzy El-Sayed KM, Cosgarea R, Sculean A, et al. Can vitamins improve periodontal wound healing/regeneration? Periodontol 2000. 2024 Feb;94(1):539-602.
  20. Wilkinson EG, Arnold RM, Folkers K, et al. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. II. Adjunctive treatment with coenzyme Q in periodontal therapy. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol. 1975 Sep;12(1):111-23.
  21. Hanioka T, Tanaka M, Ojima M, et al. Effect of topical application of coenzyme Q10 on adult periodontitis. Mol Aspects Med. 1994;15 Suppl:s241-8.
  22. Fernandez MDS, Martins TM, Meza-Mauricio J, et al. Clinical efficacy of adjunctive use of coenzyme Q10 in non-surgical periodontal treatment: A systematic review. Eur J Oral Sci. 2025 Apr;133(2):e70002.
  23. Rosa L, Lepanto MS, Cutone A, et al. Lactoferrin and oral pathologies: a therapeutic treatment. Biochem Cell Biol. 2021 Feb;99(1):81-90.
  24. Velliyagounder K, Bahdila D, Pawar S, et al. Role of lactoferrin and lactoferrin-derived peptides in oral and maxillofacial diseases. Oral Dis. 2019 Apr;25(3):652-69.
  25. Wakabayashi H, Yamauchi K, Kobayashi T, et al. Inhibitory effects of lactoferrin on growth and biofilm formation of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2009 Aug;53(8):3308-16.
  26. Soderling E, Pienihakkinen K. Effects of xylitol and erythritol consumption on mutans streptococci and the oral microbiota: a systematic review. Acta Odontol Scand. 2020 Nov;78(8):599-608.
  27. Luo BW, Liang NL, Townsend JA, et al. Sugar substitutes on caries prevention in permanent teeth among children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Dent. 2024 Jul;146:105069.
  28. Cocco F, Carta G, Cagetti MG, et al. The caries preventive effect of 1-year use of low-dose xylitol chewing gum. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial in high-caries-risk adults. Clin Oral Investig. 2017 Dec;21(9):2733-40.
  29. Rosin M, Kocher T, Kramer A. Effects of SCN-/H2O2 combinations in dentifrices on plaque and gingivitis. J Clin Periodontol. 2001 Mar;28(3):270-6.
  30. Bhat G, Kudva P, Dodwad V. Aloe vera: Nature's soothing healer to periodontal disease. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2011 Jul;15(3):205-9.
  31. Chandra Shekar BR, Nagarajappa R, Suma S, et al. Herbal extracts in oral health care - A review of the current scenario and its future needs. Pharmacogn Rev. 2015 Jul-Dec;9(18):87-92.
  32. Dommisch H, Kuzmanova D, Jonsson D, et al. Effect of micronutrient malnutrition on periodontal disease and periodontal therapy. Periodontol 2000. 2018 Oct;78(1):129-53.
  33. Fawzy El-Sayed KM, Cosgarea R, Sculean A, et al. Can vitamins improve periodontal wound healing/regeneration? Periodontology 2000. 2024 2024/02/01;94(1):539-602.
  34. Yousef MSM, El Dakrory U, YN EL, et al. The Effect of Intra-socket Vitamin E Application on the Reduction in Postoperative Pain and Reduction in Incidence of Dry Socket in Female Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2024 Jun;23(3):545-51.
  35. Huang Y, Liu X, Chen L, et al. Research progress and antibacterial mechanisms of plant essential oils as alternative therapies for periodontitis. Front Microbiol. 2026;17:1802802.
  36. Yang X, Xie J, Su S, et al. Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb.: A comprehensive review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control. J Ethnopharmacol. 2026 Jun 18;371:122073.
  37. Kasi SR, Ozcan M, Feilzer AJ. Side effects of sodium lauryl sulfate applied in toothpastes: A scoping review. Am J Dent. 2022 Apr;35(2):84-8.
  38. Kasi SR, Pilecco RO, Saldanha da Rosa L, et al. Relative abrasive potential of silica-based conventional and tablet dentifrices on enamel and dentin. PLoS One. 2024;19(12):e0313637.
  39. Fragapane F, Tanner M, Attin T, et al. Effect of different dilution levels of toothpastes on the abrasive wear on enamel and dentin in in-vitro studies. Sci Rep. 2026 Jan 12;16(1):5073.
  40. Additives EPoF, Flavourings, Younes M, et al. Safety assessment of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive. EFSA J. 2021 May;19(5):e06585.
  41. Protyusha GB, B K, Robin RS, et al. Microplastics in oral healthcare products (OHPs) and their environmental health risks and mitigation measures. Environ Pollut. 2024 Feb 15;343:123118.
  42. Li Y, Fan D, Bing X, et al. The oral-systemic interface of micro- and nanoplastics. Adv Colloid Interface Sci. 2026 Jul;353:103863.
  43. Koljalg S, Smidt I, Chakrabarti A, et al. Exploration of singular and synergistic effect of xylitol and erythritol on causative agents of dental caries. Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 14;10(1):6297.
  44. Riley P, Moore D, Ahmed F, et al. Xylitol-containing products for preventing dental caries in children and adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Mar 26;2015(3):CD010743.
  45. Laleman I, Teughels W. Novel natural product-based oral topical rinses and toothpastes to prevent periodontal diseases. Periodontol 2000. 2020 Oct;84(1):102-23.
  46. Hasturk H, Nunn M, Warbington M, et al. Efficacy of a fluoridated hydrogen peroxide-based mouthrinse for the treatment of gingivitis: a randomized clinical trial. J Periodontol. 2004 Jan;75(1):57-65.
  47. Irmaleny I, Nurdin D, Primathena I, et al. The Potential of Aloe vera as a Caries Prevention Agent in the Future: A Scoping Review. J Clin Med. 2026 Jun 18;15(12).
  48. Vajrabhaya LO, Korsuwannawong S, Ruangsawasdi N, et al. The efficiency of natural wound healing and bacterial biofilm inhibition of Aloe vera and Sodium Chloride toothpaste preparation. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2022 Mar 12;22(1):66.
  49. Wu T, Bian Z, Qin N, et al. Trends in pancreatic cancer mortality among US adults, 1999-2023. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025 Oct 28;25(1):768.
  50. Xu S, Wang HL, Xia C, et al. Associations Between Poor Oral Hygiene and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Observational Studies. Pancreas. 2022 Sep 1;51(8):985-94.
  51. Maisonneuve P, Amar S, Lowenfels AB. Periodontal disease, edentulism, and pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis. Ann Oncol. 2017 May 1;28(5):985-95.
  52. Rahib L, Coffin T, Kenner B. Factors Driving Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rates. Pancreas. 2025 Jul 1;54(6):e530-e6.
  53. Meng Y, Wu F, Kwak S, et al. Oral Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome and Subsequent Risk for Pancreatic Cancer. JAMA Oncol. 2025 Nov 1;11(11):1331-40.
  54. Fan X, Alekseyenko AV, Wu J, et al. Human oral microbiome and prospective risk for pancreatic cancer: a population-based nested case-control study. Gut. 2018 Jan;67(1):120-7.

General Health & Wellness

Healthy Starts Here

Read More