Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid in Treatment of Patients with Moderate Gingival Inflammation

Background and aims. Gingivitis is a common periodontal disease which involves different parts of gingiva to various degrees and severity. Unsaturated fatty acids have the potential to decrease the inflammation and can be effective in treatment of gingivitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids in treatment of moderate gingivitis. Materials and methods. This evaluation is a double blind clinical trial which was performed on 50 patients, 20 to 40 years old, with moderate gingivitis. Patient with same oral hygiene were assessed during 28 days and divided in to two groups. The test group received omega3 unsaturated fatty acids and the control group got the placebo for 10 days. Gingival Index (GI; Loe Silness) and bleeding On Probing (BOP; Barnet) were recorded on the ramfjord teeth in the day of the prescription and the 5, 10 and 20 days after that. Data were analyzed by Friedman and Man-Whitney statistical tests. Results. The indices showed decrease in both groups significantly (p 0.0001), but the omega3 unsaturated fatty acid was more effective (GI and BOP = p 0.0001) compared to the placebo group. Conclusion. Results of present study showed that good oral hygiene and using omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid are effective in treatment of gingivitis.