· According to new research Eating even moderate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, typically found in foods such as salmon and other fatty fish, may help ward off gum disease.
· Researchers found that the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were associated with less gum disease. The association with linolenic acid (LNA) was not statistically significant.
· Since the study was a snapshot of a single day's diet, Mukamal said researchers could not determine exactly how much fish oil people should consume regularly. But following guidelines from major organizations such as the American Heart Association, which recommends eating fatty fish at least twice a week, is probably a good idea, not just for gum disease but for overall health, they noted.
· "There are a lot of benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. We have good evidence they prevent sudden death caused by heart rhythm disturbances. We have some evidence omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke," Mukamal said. "This is a great example of another potential benefit."
· Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria that accumulate around the gum line, according to background information in the study. Over time, the gum tissue can recede and separate from teeth, leading to "periodontal pockets," or spaces between the gums and the teeth, and loss of the bone that provides the supporting structure for the teeth.
· The usual treatment of periodontitis is good dental hygiene, including manually removing bacteria during dental appointments and applying local antibiotics to kill the bacteria, though there is disagreement among dentists about how well local antibiotics work.
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