Could Tomatoes Help Protect Your Gums? What Lycopene May Mean for Gum Disease Risk
When people think about preventing gum disease, they usually focus on brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings. Those are still the foundation of good oral health. But new research (Katherine Kwong, You Lu, ZhuoHuan Li, Susu Luo, Zhaoyu Huang, Zhong Chen, Na Zhao, Tung-Sung Tseng. Lycopene, Race and Periodontitis: Disparities in Older Adults. The Journal of nutrition, health and aging, 2026; 30 (2)) suggests that lycopene, the antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color, may also be linked to a lower risk of severe periodontitis in older adults. That matters because periodontal disease is one of the biggest threats to long-term oral health. Severe gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss. It can also make it harder to maintain areas that already trap bacteria, including around crowns, bridges, implants, and partially erupted wisdom teeth. … Read more