For years, doctors have informed us about the risks of a diet rich in saturated fats, but until recently, those risks did not include gum disease. The Journal of Dental Research recently published a study, conducted by a team of Japanese researchers. The study concluded that a high intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) is associated with nearly double the rate of gum disease compared with a lower SFA intake, particularly in non-smokers.
So where do saturated fats come from & how do they effect gum disease? Foods that contain a high proportion of saturated fats are cream, cheese, meat fats, milk fat, butter, lard, chocolate, prepared foods (i.e. pastries) & certain oils. These fats are solid at room temperature & raise bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. According to the authors of the study, “Saturated fatty acids produce an inflammatory response. Hyperinflammation is now recognized as one of the key underlying etiologic factors in periodontal (gum) disease.”
If you read the above list & see many of your favorite foods, you are not alone. Fats are an essential part of your body & are needed for proper function, but never in excess. To ensure you don’t incur any unnecessary health problems, including gum disease, it is important to read the labels on your food products & avoid or limit the products that are high in saturated fats (some of which are mentioned above) – Saturated fat should never exceed 10% of calories.
Unfortunately, gum disease is not something that can be brushed away, but diet is a controllable contributing factor to gum disease & overall health. So, limiting the intake of saturated fats will not only benefit your gums, but your entire body as well.
