Peanut butter is among the foods that can help prevent the development of gum disease, new research suggests.
A recent study revealed that people who consume the highest amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, found in foods such as nuts and fish, are 30 per cent less likely to develop gum disease and 20 per cent less likely to have periodontitis, which occurs when inflammation or infection of the gums is untreated or treatment is delayed.
Researchers say polyunsaturated fats have already been shown to have beneficial effects on other types of inflammatory conditions, such as heart disease, and claim they may also help fight the inflammation that causes gum disease .
Expert Dr Asghar Z. Naqvi says: "A dietary therapy, if effective, might be a less expensive and safer method for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis ."
"To date, the treatment of periodontitis has primarily involved mechanical cleaning and local antibiotic application."
Foods that contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fat include salmon, peanut butter, margarine, nuts and sunflower seeds.
