Omega 3 and Dental Health

A new study by Japanese researchers led by Masanori Iwasaki from Nigata University has concluded that increased levels of omega 3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may decrease the risk of periodontal disease in older people. Since periodontal disease may contribute to the inflammatory process and is considered to be a risk factor for chronic illness as well as cardiovascular disease, the health benefits of supplementing with omega 3 fatty acids may well go beyond just heart health. “The findings suggest that there may be an inverse, independent relation of dietary DHA intake to the progression of periodontal disease in older people”.

The researchers suggest that the possible mechanism of omega 3 fatty acids that slows down the progression of periodontal disease is probably its anti-inflammatory properties. “In periodontal diseases, bacteria trigger inflammatory host responses that cause the destruction of alveolar bone and periodontal connective tissue”. The Japanese researchers recruited people with an average age of 74 for this study whose dietary intakes of EPA and DHA were between 947.1 and 635.2 milligrams, respectively.

This study may well lead to the recommendation of supplemental intakes of omega 3 fatty acids not only as a benefit for heart health, but also as preventative treatment in the progression of periodontal disease.

Talk to your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist about recommended dietary intakes of omega 3 fatty acids. The NIH (National Institutes of Health) recommends that adults get at least 650 to 950 milligrams of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA as well as 2.22 grams of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) daily. It is recommended that adults with coronary artery disease or high cholesterol levels should probably supplement with 2-4 grams of EPA and DHA daily.