Omega-3s Help Prevent Gum Disease

dentist working
via womenshealth.gov

Let’s add to the list of conditions that can be treated effectively with omega-3 fatty acids: gum disease.

Research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association shows that omega-3s DHA and EPA can help to reduce periodontitis by up to 20%.  Periodontitis, a chronic inflammation of the gums that causes the gum to separate from the tooth and harbor infection that can result in bone and tooth loss, affects more than 30 million Americans.

Up until now, prevention of periodontitis has generally only included keeping the teeth and mouth clean and applying antibiotics locally.  Researchers are optimistic that the condition can respond to dietary therapy.

Fish oil is the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids.  It can be found in supplement form or you can focus on foods that are high in DHA and EPA:  Cold water fish (including salmon, tuna, mackerel, halibut), flax seed oil, black current oil, walnuts and walnut oils, dark leafy vegetables, eggs (from free range chickens preferred), spices (including mustard, fennel, cumin and Fenugreek).
Source: Nutraingredients