Chronic gum disease, known as periodontitis, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes and tooth loss. Gum disease is caused by an abnormal inflammatory-immune response to bacterial plaque formation in the tissue surrounding the teeth. Now research reports that high omega 3 DHA levels may decrease the risk of gum disease. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Fish oil is known to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
The study, published in Nutrition, investigated whether omega 3s were associated with a lowered risk of periodontitis. Researchers at Nigata University in Japan and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, analyzed data from 55 seniors (average age 74) participating in a study of aging. Dietary intakes were obtained from the participants. Dental examinations were performed once a year for five years.
The researchers found that higher levels of omega 3 DHA were linked with a reduced risk of periodontitis. Participants with the lowest DHA levels had a 1.5 times higher risk of periodontitis, compared to those with the highest levels.
“The findings suggest there may be an inverse, independent relation of dietary DHA intake to the progression of periodontal disease in older people,” the study authors conclude.
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