Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supports Dental Health

A recently published study investigated the potential relationship between intake of omega-3 fatty acids and the risk of developing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease ranges from mild inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) to more severe inflammation, damage to the surrounding bone and potential loss of teeth (periodontitis). It is estimated that 80 percent of American adults have some form of periodontal disease.

In this new study, investigators examined the relationship between intake of the omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and the development of periodontal disease in adults with an average age of 74. The subjects were evaluated for dietary intake over 3 days to measure the amount of EPA and DHA consumed. The subjects also underwent a dental exam at the beginning of the study and annually for 5 years.

The results indicated that low DHA intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of periodontal disease events, which were defined as the number of teeth with periodontal disease progression. In fact, the subjects with the lowest intake of DHA had a 1.5 times increased risk of periodontal disease events compared the subjects with the highest DHA intake.

The study authors concluded, “The findings suggest there may be an inverse, independent relation of dietary DHA intake to the progression of periodontal disease in older people.”

Reference:

Iwasaki M, Yoshihara A, Moynihan P, Watanabe R, Taylor GW, Miyazaki H. Longitudinal relationship between dietary omega-3 fatty acids and periodontal disease. Nutrition. 2010 Jan 22. Published Online Ahead of Print.