There’s an interesting dental article on the Web MD Health News site. It’s called ‘Fatty Fish, Nuts May Prevent Gum Disease,’ and its author describes a recent study linking diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) with a lower risk of periodontitis. In short, these foods may help prevent gum disease, here in Waco and elsewhere.
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a far too common dental issue. When gum tissue pulls away from a tooth, it forms a pocket. This pocket is a warm, moist place for bacteria to flourish, and for gum disease to form.
If gum disease goes untreated, the tooth and jaw bone are at risk. During dental examinations, the gumline pockets of each patient are measured and examined for any sign of gum disease.
“Researchers found that people whose diets were rich in PUFAs were as much as 30 percent less likely to have gum disease than those who ate little or none of this type of fat.”
Foods high in PUFAs include salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, sardines, herring. Oils high in PUFAs include safflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and margarines made with the previously mentioned oils. Almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds are high PUFA nuts/seeds.
Minimizing the risk of gum disease is not the only reason to eat high PUFA foods. These foods pack a nutritional punch, and have many health benefits. The next time you are stocking up at the grocery store, you may want to add some salmon and walnuts to your list.
It is important to understand that diet alone will not treat or prevent gum disease, however it may be an additional tool for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
If you have not been to your Hewitt family dentist in a while, I urge you to schedule an examination and cleaning today. We are currently taking new Hewitt dental patients at Steven T. Cutbirth DDS.
If you are interested in teeth whitening, Clear Correct clear braces, or just need a checkup, call Steven T. Cutbirth DDS today to schedule an appointment. We practice holistic dentistry – we care about the whole patient, not just the teeth.
READ Fatty Fish, Nuts May Prevent Gum Disease
Contact Steven T. Cutbirth DDS:
254-772-5420
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1613 Lake Success Dr
Waco, Texas
76710
