Recent findings from a study published in Scientific Reports reveal that incorporating regular physical activity alongside omega-3 fatty acid supplements can markedly strengthen immune responses and alleviate the intensity of chronic apical periodontitis, an inflammatory condition impacting the root tip of teeth.
Understanding Apical Periodontitis
Apical periodontitis develops when harmful bacteria from unaddressed dental caries penetrate the root canal and reach the tooth’s apex, or root tip, causing inflammation in the adjacent bone tissue. If not addressed promptly, this persistent infection progressively erodes the surrounding bone structure over time.
This groundbreaking research marks the first demonstration that moderate levels of exercise, when paired with omega-3 supplementation, can dramatically ameliorate this inflammatory issue. The synergy of these interventions effectively curbs bacterial proliferation, limits bone deterioration, restores equilibrium in cytokine production—key inflammatory signaling molecules—and promotes the activity of fibroblasts, which are essential cells responsible for tissue repair and upkeep.
The Connection Between Oral and Overall Health
When left unmanaged, apical periodontitis not only risks tooth loss but also exerts broader consequences far beyond the oral cavity. It maintains strong associations with various systemic conditions, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, arteriosclerosis, and renal disorders. These health issues can mutually exacerbate one another, forming a vicious cycle where oral inflammation perpetuates and intensifies whole-body health problems.
“This is a persistent condition that often goes unnoticed by patients due to its gradual progression, yet it can advance to cause significant bone degradation and tooth instability. Moreover, during periods of weakened immunity, it may flare up acutely, resulting in pain, pus accumulation, and facial swelling,” notes Rogério de Castilho, a professor at the Araçatuba School of Dentistry, part of São Paulo State University (FOA-UNESP) in Brazil. As the study’s supervisor, Castilho’s work received funding from FAPESP.
Exercise and Supplements Show Measurable Impact
“In the animal models we studied, exercise by itself led to noticeable systemic enhancements, particularly in modulating the immune response at the infection site. When omega-3 supplements were added to the regimen, the effects were even more pronounced, further mitigating the tissue damage associated with endodontic infections,” states Ana Paula Fernandes Ribeiro, the lead author on the paper. She conducted this research as part of her doctoral program at FOA-UNESP.
To investigate these potential benefits, the research team experimentally induced apical periodontitis in a cohort of 30 rats, then randomly assigned them to three distinct groups. The first group served as the untreated control, the second engaged in a structured 30-day swimming protocol designed to simulate moderate exercise, and the third participated in the same swimming routine while also receiving omega-3 supplements—nutrients widely recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties in managing chronic illnesses.
Rats in the swimming-only group exhibited superior health markers relative to the untreated controls, but those combining exercise with omega-3 intake achieved the most substantial gains in terms of immune system modulation and effective bacterial containment.
Lower Inflammation, Stronger Bone
Comprehensive immunological analyses revealed that the rats subjected to both exercise and supplementation displayed the lowest concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin 17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Even the exercise-only group showed diminished levels of these markers compared to controls, though the dual-intervention approach yielded the optimal results.
Further examination highlighted a reduction in osteoclasts—the specialized cells that resorb bone—in both the exercise and supplementation groups, signifying reduced bone resorption activity. Advanced micro-CT imaging corroborated these observations: the swimming group experienced less degradation of alveolar bone, which anchors the teeth in place, than the controls, while the combined omega-3 group preserved the most bone integrity across all measured parameters.
Implications for Human Health
The study’s authors emphasize that these outcomes contribute to an expanding body of evidence underscoring how regular exercise and omega-3 fatty acids support not just overall immune health but also specific aspects of oral wellness.
“While confirming these effects in humans would require rigorous clinical trials involving a large patient population, the established advantages of physical activity and omega-3 intake make this another compelling reason to incorporate them into daily routines,” adds Jacinto, a key contributor to the research.
Funding for the project came from FAPESP via Scientific Initiation grants provided to co-author Michely de Lima Rodrigues (grant numbers 20/13089-3 and 22/04884-0), enabling critical aspects of the experimental work.
