Keep Your Teeth Healthy With Omega-3s

A new study from Japan, published in the January 2010 issue of the journal Nutrition, found that omega-3 essential fatty acids may decrease the risk of dental disease.

For the study, researchers from Niigata University recruited 55 participants with an average age of 74.

The researchers determined each participant's average omega-3 intake and then followed them for five years. During that time, the participants experienced an average of 8 periodontal disease events.

The researchers found that people with the lowest intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids were 1.5 times more likely to develop periodontal disease.

Commenting on the mechanisms, they noted that omega-3s may reduce the risk of periodontal disease among mature adults because of the anti-inflammatory properties of these essential fatty acids.

Periodontal disease is not only the main cause of tooth loss, it also increases inflammation in the body which can lead to cardiovascular disease.

The list of omega-3 health benefits, ranging from cardiovascular health to improvements in cognitive function, continues to grow. To get more of these healthy fatty acids, try including more oily fish in your diet like mackerel, salmon and lake trout.

You can also get your daily dose of omega-3s in supplement form. Just be sure the supplement is high quality and certified for purity.