Eating tomatoes may protect against gum disease

2026-01-14 20:11:00, Shëndeti CNA

Regular consumption of tomatoes and other lycopene-rich foods may help protect gum health, especially in older adults, a new scientific study suggests.

According to a study published in the February issue of The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, older adults who get enough lycopene – an antioxidant found primarily in tomatoes and red fruits – are 67% less likely to develop severe periodontal disease.

"Overall, insufficient lycopene intake was a risk factor for the development of periodontal disease," concludes the research team led by Katherine Kwong, assistant professor of human development at Connecticut College.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 1,200 seniors ages 65 to 79 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2014. Participants underwent dental checkups and completed questionnaires about their diets.

Adequate intake of lycopene was defined as over 8,000 micrograms per day. One cup of cooked tomatoes contains about 7,300 micrograms of lycopene. Other foods rich in this nutrient include red peppers, watermelon, dates, and grapefruit.

The results showed that about 49% of participants had some form of gum disease, while 78% did not get enough lycopene. Men were 73% more likely than women to develop gum disease, a risk that was closely linked to a lack of lycopene in the diet.

The study also found racial disparities: Black seniors were nearly three times more likely to have severe periodontal disease than white seniors. According to the researchers, a lack of lycopene may be one of the factors explaining this difference.

"Lycopene intake is significantly higher in non-Hispanic white individuals, while the prevalence of severe periodontal disease is lower," the study authors emphasize.

Although the results are promising, the researchers emphasize that further clinical studies are needed to understand exactly how lycopene affects oral health and whether lycopene supplements are as effective as consuming it through food.

In conclusion, experts suggest that including tomatoes and lycopene-rich foods in the daily diet can be a simple, yet important, step in maintaining gum health./ CNA