Fish Oil vs. Gum Inflammation

Fish Oil Compounds May Resolve Gum Inflammation

I like to make my dental advice simple – something the average person can understand and apply right away to his or her life. Health journals are hard to translate, and there’s a lot of junk health information floating in cyberspace. So what’s a health-conscience person to do?

Well, you can start by visiting my FAQ website page or my blog site regularly. I cut to the chase and only dispense verified researched information that I feel good about. So here is my FYI tidbit for the day.

It Does a Body Good

Include polyunsaturated fats in your diet. In particular, eat cold water fish like salmon. You also can opt for a little seaweed (Sushi, anyone?) or take an Omega-3 fish oil supplement found at the local grocery store.

Why is this healthful? Well, statistical analysis shows a reduction in gum disease in those with a higher intake of polyunsaturated fats in their diets. Gum disease – or “periodontitis” – is linked to tooth loss, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and many kinds of cancer. In severe cases, gum infections can cause pregnant women to give birth prematurely. (The little tykes are underweight and can have all the health issues associated with being a preemie.)

Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and that’s why it’s so good for you. I think when this type of dietary therapy is combined with daily brushing, flossing and professional dental cleaning, your chances of avoiding disease are a lot better.

Fact or Fishin?

Harvard Medical School and researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health recently examined the records of 9,000 adults from varied demographics. Those who consumed the highest amount of a particular type of fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA) had a 20 percent decrease in gum inflammation.

Japanese researchers found the same thing in a study of dental health in the elderly. Low fish oil consumption was significantly associated with oral bacteria and gum disease. In fact, periodontitis was 1.5 times more prevalent among those with the lowest measured intake of DHA in their diets.

Salmon is not your only fish option. Other cold water fish contain the fish oils that are beneficial to gum health and heart health, too.

Seafood That Contains Fatty Acids:

• Trout
• Tuna, particularly blue fin tuna
• Sardines
• Shellfish
• Herring
• Seaweed
• Mackerel
• Pilchard
• Salmon

Oils from this seafood have the added bonus of helping in weight maintenance. Some smaller studies also have shown that these omega-3 fats may help with rheumatoid arthritis inflammation, Raynaud’s circulation symptoms, Lupus fatigue, development of brain function in infants and possibly alleviation of depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Why mention these other health disorders on a dental blog site? Simply put, we value our patients’ overall health. We embrace a holistic approach to healthcare and don’t think dental problems exist in isolation. A healthy body and mouth work in tandem. At Focused Care Dental, we want you to live a long vibrant life – complete with healthy gums and strong teeth.

If you are experiencing any of the signs of periodontal disease, please call us to schedule a consultation. Here’s what to look for:

Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Bleeding gums
• Gums that are pulled away from teeth
• Loose or separated teeth
• Gums with redness, swelling or tenderness
• Ongoing bad breath
• Pus between gums and teeth

Best regards, AM

Tip of the Day: Mix one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of baking soda. Stir until dissolved. Use this to gargle and swish around your mouth for 60-90 seconds after brushing. It will help soothe mild gum irritation and wash away residual bacteria.