Up to 12 percent of American adults have advanced gum disease, report the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a condition that increases inflammation and risk of chronic disease; and it cannot always be prevented with dental hygiene measures alone. Fish oil's anti-inflammatory properties may be helpful in managing periodontal gum disease.
About Fish Oil
Fish oil is a dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. MayoClinic.com gives omega-3 fatty acids an A grade for treatment of high blood pressure, high triglycerides and prevention of repeat heart attacks. EPA and DHA are highest in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and albacore tuna. Fish oil supplements are available in liquid or capsule form. Amounts of DHA and EPA in supplements can vary.
About Gum Disease
More than 80 percent of Americans have some form of gum disease, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis when bacteria spread below the gum line. The resulting inflammation destroys gum tissue and forms pockets between your teeth and gums, allowing infection to spread to the bone. Traditional treatment includes topical antibiotics and a rigorous cleaning schedule with the dentist or periodontist.
Fish Oil and Gum Disease
The American Academy of Periodontology links gum disease to inflammation, a condition that can lead to other chronic illnesses, like heart disease and diabetes. Reducing systemic inflammation may prevent both periodontal problems and more serious chronic diseases. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research supports the effectiveness of EPA and DHA in reducing inflammation.
The Evidence
In the November 2010 issue of the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," Boston internist Dr. Asghar Naqvi and colleagues reported their study findings that higher DHA and EPA intakes were associated with lower prevalence of periodontal disease among over 9,000 study participants. The researchers attributed the results to fish oil's anti-inflammatory effects. The majority of subjects reported getting DHA and EPA from eating fish. Only 145 subjects reported taking fish oil supplements during the 5-year study period from 1999 to 2004.
Recommendations
The two weekly servings of fatty fish recommended by the American Heart Association should be enough to reduce your risk of gum disease, says Dr. Naqvi. If you don't get enough fish during the week, fish oil supplements can help you get your daily dose of EPA and DHA. Ask your doctor before starting fish oil supplements if you take blood-thinning medication. High doses of omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of bleeding.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Oral Health; February 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Evidence; July 2011
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Periodontal (Gum) Disease
- American Academy of Periodontology; Mouth-Body Connection; May 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; S.D. Ehrlich; June 2009
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; n-3 Fatty Acids and Periodontitis in US Adults; Asghar Naqvi, et al.; November 2010
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