Older adults who consume sufficient amounts of lycopene, an antioxidant abundant in tomatoes, face a 67% lower risk of developing severe periodontitis compared to those who do not, a new study has found.
A research team led by Katherine Kung at Connecticut College analyzed dietary habits and oral health data from 1,227 adults aged 65 to 79 who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2009 and 2014, according to medical sources on June 6. The findings were published in the latest issue of The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging.
The researchers defined sufficient intake as 8,000 micrograms (mcg) or more of lycopene per day — roughly equivalent to 2.5 to three medium-sized raw tomatoes. Among all participants, 48.7% had periodontitis, and 77.9% fell short of the lycopene intake threshold. The rate of severe periodontitis was 2.4% in the sufficient-intake group, compared to 6.5% in the insufficient group. The gap persisted even after adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking status and education level.
Racial disparities were also observed. Non-Hispanic Black participants faced a 2.82 times higher risk of severe periodontitis than white participants. The preventive effect of lycopene was pronounced among white participants but showed no statistically significant association among Black participants. The researchers pointed to genetic predisposition and differences in periodontitis progression patterns as possible explanations.
Lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant found abundantly in red-colored fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, watermelon and grapefruit. It suppresses free radicals that damage cells and reduces oxidative stress in tissues prone to recurring inflammation, such as the gums. Because its absorption rate increases when cooked with oil, consuming it in forms like tomato sauce or sautéed with olive oil is advantageous.
However, the study was cross-sectional, analyzing data from a single point in time, making it difficult to establish a direct causal relationship between lycopene deficiency and periodontitis. The research team also noted the need for long-term follow-up studies and randomized controlled trials. If gum bleeding or swelling persists, individuals should consult a dentist rather than relying solely on dietary changes.
