We all know by now that fish contains healthy fats to give our skin a healthy glow and keep our hair and nails strong, but recent research suggests savouring that piece of salmon is good for our dental health, too.
A new study published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association suggests that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in foods such as fatty fish and nuts will help keep people smiling as they have been shown to help lower the risks of gum disease and periodontitis, or severe gum disease.
The research examined the diet of 182 adults between 1999 and 2004, and found that those who consumed the highest amounts of fatty acids were a 30 percent less likely to develop gum disease and 20 percent less likely to develop periodontitis.
“Most people suffer from gum disease at some point in their life,” says Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter. “This study shows that a small and relatively easy change in people’s diet can massively improve the condition of their teeth and gums, which in turn can improve their overall well-being.”
Inflammation and soreness of the gums is one of the first signs of gum disease, and often gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning. Over time gum disease becomes more severe and can impact the tissues supporting the teeth.
“To date, the treatment of periodontitis has primarily involved mechanical cleaning and local antibiotic application,” agrees lead researcher of the study, Dr Asghar Z. Naqvi of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in Boston.
“A dietary therapy, if effective, might be a less expensive and safer method.”
For more facts and information on dental health, visit www.dentalhealth.org.
