Exercise and omega-3 could be the secret to healthy teeth

Understanding apical periodontitis

Apical periodontitis occurs when bacteria from untreated tooth decay spreads through the root canal to the apex of the tooth (root tip), leading to inflammation of the surrounding bone. This infection can gradually destroy bone tissue in the area if left untreated.

The new study is the first to show that moderate exercise combined with omega-3 supplements can significantly improve this inflammatory condition. Together, these two factors helped control bacterial growth, reduce bone loss, balance the production of inflammatory molecules called cytokines, and stimulate fibroblasts, which are cells that repair and maintain tissue.

The relationship between oral health and general health

Untreated apical gingivitis can lead to tooth loss, but its effects extend far beyond the mouth. This condition is closely related to systemic diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and kidney disease. Each can exacerbate the other, creating a harmful feedback loop between stomatitis and overall health.

“It is a condition that patients may not know they have due to its chronic nature, but it can develop and lead to bone destruction and tooth movement. In addition, in certain conditions, such as decreased immunity, it can become acute, so the patient begins to feel pain, pus forms at the site, and the face can become swollen,” explains Rogério de Castilho, professor at the Arasatuba Dental School in São Paulo. State University (FOA-UNESP) of Brazil. The study was supervised by Castilho and supported by FAPESP.

Exercise and supplements show a measurable effect

“In rats, physical exercise alone led to a systemic improvement, regulating the local immune response. In addition, when combined with supplements, it further reduces the devastating condition caused by periodontal disease,” explains Ana Paula Fernandez Ribeiro, first author of the study conducted during her PhD at FOA-UNESP.

To explore these effects, the researchers induced apical gingivitis in 30 mice and divided them into three groups. One group received no treatment, the second completed a 30-day swimming routine, while the third group swam and received omega-3 supplements, a fatty acid known to reduce inflammation in chronic disease.

The swimming-only group showed better results compared to the untreated animals, but the group that exercised and took omega-3 supplements showed the greatest improvement in immune regulation and infection control.

Less inflammation, stronger bones

Detailed immunological testing showed that mice that received both interventions had the lowest levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin 17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Those who exercised without supplements also had lower levels compared to untreated mice, but the group proved to be more effective.

The researchers also observed fewer osteoclasts — cells that break down bone — in the exercise and supplement groups, indicating less bone loss. Micro-CT scans confirmed these findings: The animals that swam had less alveolar bone loss (the bone that supports teeth) than the control group, and the omega-3 group showed the greatest overall bone preservation.

Implications for human health

According to the authors, these findings add to the growing evidence that exercise and omega-3 fatty acids benefit not only systemic immunity but also oral health.

“To know if the same applies to humans, we need a clinical study with a large number of patients,” says Jacinto. “However, in addition to the many proven benefits of physical exercise and omega-3 consumption, this is another important piece of evidence.”

The work was supported by FAPESP through Scientific Start-up Grants awarded to Michel de Lima Rodrigues (20/13089-3 and 22/04884-0), another co-author of the study.