The lycopene link to preventing severe gum disease

Dental health is about far more than just your smile.

After all, research has proven again and again that if you don’t protect your mouth health and gum disease sets in, your risk of everything from stroke and heart failure to osteoporosis and dementia goes up — way up.

Luckily, new research from a team of scientists at Connecticut College is revealing a simple, nutritional way to lower your risk of severe gum disease.

This research suggests that lycopene, a nutrient found in tomatoes, may help lower the risk of severe gum disease in older adults by supporting gum tissue health.

That’s serious help from an everyday food…

Why gum disease is common after 50

This research is especially important if, like me, you’ve already passed your 50th birthday. That’s because a whopping 70% of adults in this age group are at risk for periodontal disease.

Why? According to experts, the enhanced risk is due to several negative changes that tend to occur together, setting off a cascade of issues.

After 50:

• Inflammation increases.
• Tissue repair slows down.
• Antioxidant levels decline.
• The immune system becomes less efficient.

That combination can make your gums more likely to recede and more vulnerable to bleeding, infection and tooth loss.

And unfortunately, those infections in your gums can travel through your bloodstream thanks to what’s known as the mouth–body connection.

This mouth–body connection can link gum disease to other health conditions, such as heart disease and dementia.

When you see the big picture, it’s easy to understand that protecting your gums is a simple way to support your long-term health.

Lycopene’s gum-saving advantage

Researchers examined health and nutrition data from 1,227 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009-2014).

Nearly half of the older adults included in the study, almost 49%, showed signs of periodontitis. At the same time, more than three-quarters, or almost 80%, were not consuming enough lycopene.

Lycopene is the natural compound that gives tomatoes their deep red color. It’s also a potent antioxidant. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, it helps gum tissue resist further damage, promotes healing from past damage and supports the long-term strength of your gums and teeth.

We tend to think of gum disease in terms of germs that invade the areas around our teeth due to poor brushing and flossing. But the truth is, inflammation seriously damages the tissue, worsening the condition.

Ultimately, this research found that adequate lycopene intake was associated with a much lower risk of severe periodontitis.

A helpful step for healthy gums

Of course, this doesn’t mean lycopene is a silver bullet that can prevent gum disease all on its own.

But it does mean that the antioxidant can be an effective part of your gum health regimen, including these steps:

1. Eat lycopene-rich foods a few times per week, like tomato products, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guava.
2. Add healthy fats, such as olive oil, to help your body absorb lycopene.
3. Include colorful fruits and vegetables to help control inflammation and protect gums.
4. Drink enough water daily to keep your mouth moist and reduce your risk of gum disease.
5. Keep brushing, flossing and having regular dental cleanings.

Remember…the health of your teeth and gums is deeply connected to what you eat.

Increasing your intake of tomato-rich foods can be a simple way to protect your mouth. If you don’t like tomatoes, eat more lycopene-rich watermelon.

Sources:

This common tomato nutrient may help prevent severe gum disease — ScienceDaily

Lycopene, Race and Periodontitis: Disparities in Older Adults —ScienceDirect

Study links low lycopene intake to higher risk of severe gum disease in older — EurekAlert!

5 Health Concerns Associated with Gum Disease You May Not Know About — University of Utah

Aging changes in teeth and gums — MedlinePlus