Stop Gum Disease With Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids, present in foods like fish and walnuts, are considered "healthy fats," and have been associated with brain health, improved immune system function, and reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and depression.

And a new study has determined consuming omega-3 fatty acids helps lower the risk of periodontitis, which is a form of gum disease causing inflammation around the teeth, and bone loss due to bacteria buildup in the mouth.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends replacing harmful fats, such as saturated fats, with omega-3 fats.

Published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers found study participants (9,000 adults taking part in a national health survey) with intermediate or high intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a form of omega-3 fatty acids, were less likely to develop periodontitis.

Even after accounting for other factors, such as age, sex, and calorie intake, study participants in the top third of DHA consumption had a 22% lower risk of gum disease, compared to people getting the lowest amount of DHA.

But the scientists will not confirm that omega-3s have "true protective" effects against gum disease, and still recommend going to your dentist for regular cleanings to prevent gum problems.

Maintaining proper dental hygiene is an important part of preventing heart trouble. Previous research indicates plaque in the mouth raises risk of cardiovascular disease. The American Dental Association recommends regular checkups with your dentist to prevent and identify potential mouth risks.

Other food sources of omega-3s include flaxseed, tiny shrimp called krill, and eggs laid by chickens fed a diet of greens and insects.

Image credit: TheJohnny

Food Health Dental health fish nuts Omega-3 ElsewhereWorst Fast Food of 2010 (That's Fit)Senior 15 May Be More Accurate Than Freshman 15 (DailySpark)7 Surprising Secrets of Successful Weight Loss (Diet Blog)Video Exposes Horrible Conditions at Embattled Egg Farm (Diet Blog) 5 Comments Spectra on 23 Dec 2010

Yet another reason for me to keep taking my fish oil pills. Omega 3's are good for reducing inflammation, so it makes sense that taking them would reduce the chance of gum disease.

Reply SueK24 on 2 Jan 2011

Exactly Spectra.

Reply Pater Rolf Hermann Lingen on 25 Dec 2010

From my own experiences, I totally support the intake of polyunsaturated fat: The total fat intake should be 30% of the calorie intake, with the lowest part saturated and the highest part polyunsaturated fat.
So every day I consume between 15 and 30g (each!) of walnuts and sunflower seeds. At least once a week, I have a big fish meal.
Admittedly, I avoid sugar - it's normally far less than 50g a day. So, my meals are normally not extremely sweet. Sure, I sometimes use stevia. But imho it's okay to eat not so sweet.
Oh yes, I eat one egg a day. It helped me to reduce my cholesterol from from 195 to 175. Now, eggs and cholesterol is a different story.
But I only eat "Omega-3 Eggs" ("eggs laid by chickens fed a diet of greens and insects").

Reply Steve on 27 Dec 2010

Here's another reason to ensure you have adequate amounts of omega-3s in your diet every day. It is interesting to note though, the article said, 'intermediate or high intake of DHA', which I assume is the equivalent of 5-10 grams of omega-3 each day.

Most people I speak to who have fish oil capsules every day generally only have 2-3 at most. Some may only have 1 capsule of the 'one a day' fish oil caps. It seems that most of the benefits from fish oil and other omega-3 sources tend to come from having higher, more therapeutic dosages.

Reply SueK24 on 2 Jan 2011

You're correct Steve. To receive benefits a person has to take an appropriate amount. If you take less than the amount you require you will not see the benefit. That amount differs among individuals depending on one's level of wellness. For a healthy person with no chronic pain or illness a good place to start is with 2.5 grams of EPA and DHA combined, daily. A healthy person who is overweight would start at 5 g daily. The full benefit of any given dosage will be achieved after 30 days on that dosage. Again, those gram amounts refer to EPA and DHA combined, not the total grams of fish oil. It's extremely important to take a fish oil that is free of contaminants, that has a 60% concentration of EPA and DHA (this has the most published study to back it up), and that has a 2/1 EPA/DHA. To be certain you are meeting this criteria, choose a fish oil from the brands and batch numbers on the bottle which have attained the IFOS 5-star rating (google International Fish Oil Standards).

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