A new study published in Scientific Reports has found that combining physical exercise with omega-3 supplementation can significantly reduce inflammation and tissue damage caused by chronic tooth infections known as apical periodontitis. This research highlights a promising strategy for improving not only oral health but also broader immune system function.
Apical periodontitis is a common but often overlooked condition that occurs when bacteria from untreated tooth decay spread to the tip of a tooth’s root. This leads to inflammation, infection, and eventually bone loss in the surrounding area.
Because it’s usually painless in its early stages, many people may not even realize they have it—until it worsens and causes swelling, pus formation, or even tooth loss.
In this study, researchers from São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil induced apical periodontitis in 30 rats and divided them into three groups. One group received no treatment.
The second group completed a moderate exercise program, consisting of swimming for 30 days. The third group did the same exercise but also received omega-3 supplements, which are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
The results were striking. The group that exercised showed improved immune responses and less bone damage compared to the untreated group. But the group that combined exercise with omega-3 supplements had the best results of all—experiencing significantly less inflammation, greater immune regulation, and reduced bone loss.
Researchers measured the levels of key inflammatory markers—interleukin 17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)—in the tissues around the infected tooth roots. The untreated rats had high levels of these markers, signaling active inflammation.
The exercise-only group had lower levels, while the group that also received omega-3 showed the lowest levels, suggesting that the combined approach was most effective at calming the immune response.
They also looked at osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. More osteoclasts usually mean more bone destruction. The exercise group had fewer osteoclasts than the control group, and the supplemented group had even fewer—again pointing to a protective effect.
Imaging scans (micro CT) of the rats’ jaws confirmed the biological findings: the rats that exercised had less bone loss around their teeth, and the ones that exercised and took omega-3 had the least amount of bone loss overall.
Dr. Rogério de Castilho, who supervised the study, explained that apical periodontitis is not just a local dental problem. It can be linked to, and even worsen, conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, arteriosclerosis, and kidney disease.
“This is a condition patients may not even know they have,” he said, “but under certain conditions—like weakened immunity—it can flare up and cause serious problems.”
Lead author Ana Paula Fernandes Ribeiro added that while the study was in rats, the findings offer important insights into how lifestyle factors like exercise and nutrition can influence oral and systemic health.
The research supports a growing understanding of how oral health is closely connected to overall health, and how seemingly simple habits—like regular physical activity and a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in foods like fish, flaxseed, and walnuts)—can help regulate inflammation and protect tissues throughout the body.
While more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, the study adds yet another reason to consider exercise and omega-3s as part of a healthy lifestyle—not just for your heart or brain, but also for your teeth and gums.
If you care about tooth health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more health information, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
The research findings can be found in Scientific Reports.
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