Relationship between omega-3 and periodontitis: Literature review

OBJECTIVES. Omega-3 fatty acids have proven a potent anti-inflammatory action in the human body. This article considers the actions that reduce the inflammatory response created by periodontal disease, actions which would induce a modulation of periodontal inflammatory cascade. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A review of the literature was performed by inserting the following key words both in English and Italian: periodontal disease, periodontitis, omega-3, anti-aging medicine and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Only scientific articles and textbooks published between 1965 and 2015 were included. RESULTS. Omega-3 exert a significant action on inflammatory mediators, thereby regulating inflammation related to oxidative stress and promoting repair of periodontal tissues. CONCLUSIONS. Periodontal therapy may be supported by the use of omega-3 in modulating the host's immuno inflammatory-response, reducing the destructive aspects of the response itself.