Periodontitis (periodontal disease) is a inflammatory disease which is caused by bacteria accumulating at the gum line. This can cause bone loss. Periodontal disease possibly occurring later in life in the wisdom tooth region is commonly a reason given by dentists and oral surgeons to remove healthy wisdom teeth. However, based on current literature understanding and assestment, wisdom teeth should not be removed if they are healthy due to a risk of periodontal disease. If periodontal disease were to later occur, then a conservative approach should be followed. This is discussed in more details on the wisdom teeth controversy page.
A study that was published in 2010, looked at data from 9,182 adults ages 20 and older and met certain criteria from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study between the years 1999 and 2004. Periodontal examinations were carried about on these adults during the NHANES study. Periodontitis was defined as greater than or equal to 4 mm pocket depth and greater than or equal to 3 mm attachment loss. Fatty acid intake in both diet and supplements were taken into account in the NHANES study. A total of 1,024 of these patients had periodontitis.
The study determined that n-3 fatty acid intake (omega 3 fatty acids), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) intake, were found to be inversely associated with periodontitis.
I have previously discussed this study on this blog. I am just trying to reiterate this study and make sure it is tied in appropriately with wisdom teeth.
Really it seems to me everyone should regularly be taking a omega 3 fatty acid such as fish oil. In addition omega 3 fatty acids can be found in certain foods such as eating nuts, peanut butter, margarine, and salmon.
In recent years the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) has explored in different ways using a 329 patient study how having wisdom teeth can potentially lead to periodontitis which can in turn play a negative role in your overall health. It would seem wise to me that anyone who has wisdom teeth should be regularly taking a fish oil supplement and insuring they receive proper omega 3 fatty acids in their diet. This is of course in addition to proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams.
This study described above is from Asghar Z. Naqvi and et al. n-3 Fatty Acids and Periodontitis in US Adults. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. vol. 110. issue 11. pages 1669-1675. 2010.
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