Flossing and Fish Oil: The Keys to a Great Smile
We have all heard about the importance of flossing to maintain healthy gums and teeth. But, as it turns out, omega-3 fish oil may also hold a key to preserving that great smile.
A newly released study from the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology in Egypt studied the impact of omega-3 and aspirin on chronic periodontitis, a gum disease that affects many adults in the United States every year. Including symptoms like bad breath, space between teeth, and receding gums, periodontitis is the number one reason for adult tooth loss. Scientists also notice a clear association between cardiovascular disease and periodontitis.
Working with participants who had advanced chronic periodontitis, the researchers supplemented their diets with omega-3 and a low dose of aspirin. After 6 months, the omega-3 and aspirin group showed a significant reduction in the number of oral pockets, a common symptom of periodontitis. The researchers concluded that omega-3 and a low dose aspirin regiment would be a sustainable, affordable way of managing and preventing the gum disease.
Researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 explain why fish oil promotes healthier gums. Omega-3 appears to ameliorate and prevent the mouth’s inflammation reaction to the periodontitis-causing bacteria.
This is not the first time researchers have linked omega-3 to promoting oral health. Numerous studies from research institutions around the world have analyzed the effects of omega-3 on periodontitis and gingivitis, a milder form of the gum disease. The research reports consistently reveal that intake of omega-3 fish oil help prevent and manage periodontitis.
Of course, taking omega-3 fish oil is not enough to keep gum disease at bay. Dentists suggest that daily brushing, flossing and regular professional cleaning is the easiest way to prevent periodontitis.
But for those who are disposed to gum disease, omega-3 can be a determining factor for managing the infection. So keep chugging your two teaspoons of omega-3 fish oil every day. It will give you something extra to smile about.
Sources:
Bendyk, A. “Effect of Dietary Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Experimental Periodontitis in the Mouse.” Diss. University of Adelaide, 2009. Abstract. PubMed.gov. 6 Feb. 2009. Web. 29 June 2010.
El-Sharkawy, H. “Adjunctive Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis with Daily Dietary Supplementation with Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Low-Dose Aspirin.” Diss. Mansoura University, 2010. Abstract. PubMed.gov. 23 June 2010. Web. 29 June 2010.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Gingivitis – MayoClinic.com.” Mayo Clinic Medical Information and Tools for Healthy Living – MayoClinic.com. 18 Nov. 2008. Web. 29 June 2010.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Periodontitis: Symptoms – MayoClinic.com.” Mayo Clinic Medical Information and Tools for Healthy Living – MayoClinic.com. 22 Nov. 2008. Web. 30 June 2010.