Study: omega-3 plus low-dose aspirin after deep cleaning matched antibiotics for severe gum disease

In a year-long randomised, double-blind trial by researchers in Brazil and at Harvard, 109 people with advanced gum disease all had deep cleaning, then took different add-on treatments. With 3g of omega-3 a day plus low-dose aspirin for six months, 57.7% reached the treatment target, close to 58% with antibiotics and well above 23.1% on placebo. The study is in the Journal of Periodontology.

What it means for you

This could one day mean fewer antibiotics for gum disease, but the trial was small and needs confirming in wider groups. Aspirin carries bleeding risks: do not self-medicate; talk to your dentist and doctor.

Key points

• Deep cleaning remains the core of gum disease treatment
• Add-on medicines are for your dentist and doctor to decide; do not self-medicate with aspirin
• Only 109 participants: early evidence

Source: Journal of Periodontology（經 ScienceDaily）

This is a news summary written by our editors, not medical advice. Please refer to the original source and seek professional advice for your own situation.