By Harshit | São Paulo, Brazil | October 26, 2025 | 10:00 AM
A Surprising Link Between Fitness, Supplements, and Oral Health
A new study suggests that regular exercise combined with omega-3 supplementation could be key to protecting teeth from bone loss and reducing chronic inflammation in the mouth. Published in Scientific Reports, the research highlights how lifestyle factors may strengthen the immune system and improve oral health, potentially offering benefits that extend beyond the mouth.
“Exercise and omega-3s together helped control bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair in the tooth root,” says Rogério de Castilho, professor at the Araçatuba School of Dentistry at São Paulo State University (FOA-UNESP) in Brazil, who supervised the study.
Understanding Apical Periodontitis
The condition studied, chronic apical periodontitis, occurs when bacteria from untreated tooth decay infiltrate the root canal and reach the tooth apex, triggering inflammation in surrounding bone tissue. Left unchecked, this infection can lead to bone destruction and eventual tooth loss.
Apical periodontitis is not just a dental issue; it is linked to systemic conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, arteriosclerosis, and kidney disease. “The inflammation in the mouth can worsen overall health, creating a harmful feedback loop,” explains Castilho.
Study Design: Rats, Swimming, and Omega-3s
To investigate how lifestyle interventions might influence this condition, researchers induced apical periodontitis in 30 rats. The animals were divided into three groups:
- Control: no treatment
- Exercise: a 30-day swimming routine
- Exercise + Omega-3: swimming combined with omega-3 supplementation
According to Ana Paula Fernandes Ribeiro, the study’s lead author, exercise alone improved immune responses and reduced inflammation. However, rats that also received omega-3 supplements experienced the greatest reduction in immune-related damage, controlling infection more effectively than the other groups.
Lower Inflammation, Less Bone Loss
Immune testing revealed that the combination of exercise and omega-3s produced the lowest levels of inflammatory molecules, including interleukin 17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Fewer osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells, were observed in these animals, suggesting reduced bone breakdown.
Micro-CT scans confirmed that alveolar bone — the part of the jaw supporting teeth — was preserved most effectively in the exercise plus omega-3 group. Rats that only exercised had moderate benefits, while untreated animals showed the most severe bone loss.
“This combination of interventions appears to stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for maintaining and repairing tissues, which is crucial for oral health,” Ribeiro adds.
Implications for Human Health
While the study was conducted in rats, the findings could have significant implications for people, especially those at risk of chronic oral inflammation.
“Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans,” Castilho notes. “However, given the well-documented systemic benefits of exercise and omega-3 fatty acids, these results provide yet another reason to prioritize both in daily life.”
Experts also emphasize that these interventions are low-risk and accessible. Omega-3s are found in fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, while regular moderate exercise is already widely recommended for overall health.
The Bigger Picture: Oral Health and Immunity
This study adds to mounting evidence that oral health is closely connected to overall immune function. Chronic inflammation in the mouth does not only threaten teeth and gums; it can exacerbate systemic inflammatory conditions, further linking oral care to general well-being.
For those struggling with dental inflammation or seeking preventive measures, the combination of regular exercise and omega-3 consumption may become an adjunct to traditional dental care, including cleanings, fluoride use, and timely treatment of cavities.
Study Funding and Acknowledgements
The research was supported by FAPESP through Scientific Initiation grants awarded to co-author Michely de Lima Rodrigues (20/13089-3 and 22/04884-0), highlighting the role of Brazilian funding agencies in advancing cutting-edge dental and biomedical research.