Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as an adjunct to non‐surgical treatment of periodontitis

Abstract

Recently, a growing interest in products containing omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is observed. It turned out that omega‐3 PUFAs have therapeutic, anti‐inflammatory and protective properties in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, cardiovascular and periodontal diseases. Omega‐3 PUFAs inhibit the synthesis of pro‐inflammatory factors such as cytokines and eicosanoids. Moreover, omega‐3 PUFAs are enzymatically transformed into lipid mediators, i.a. resolvins and protectins possessing the properties to soothe the ongoing inflammatory process and minimize tissue damage as well as to increase tissue protection in acute inflammation.

The use of omega‐3 PUFAs in the treatment of periodontitis may be beneficial due to controlling an inflammatory response against subgingival biofilm, reducing the level of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting osteoclast function. This, in turn, improved clinical parameters of periodontitis, such as bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing depth (PD) and connective tissue attachment level (CAL). In this paper, we discussed the most important information about the mechanisms of omega‐3 PUFAs EPA and DHA action, and their sources in the daily diet. We also reviewed the recent literature regarding the effects of using omega‐3 PUFAs as a complementary and supportive element in the non‐surgical treatment of periodontitis.

Practical Applications: Studies in humans and animals have suggested a beneficial therapeutic effect of omega‐3 fatty acids in the control of inflammation and periodontal tissue protection in periodontitis.

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