Clinico-immunological evaluation of use of omega-3 fatty acids as nutraceutical approach in management of patients with chronic periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Subgingival bacterial colonization and biofilm formation are known to be the main etiology of periodontal disease progression. This biofilm elicits host response and the interaction between host defence mechanisms with plaque microorganisms and their products results in periodontal disease. Host modulatory therapy (HMT) is a form of treatment of periodontitis that focuses on treatment of the host in the host-bacteria interaction. Omega-3 fatty acids have emerged as a potential HMT agent to treat inflammation associated with periodontal disease.

METHODS: A total of 60 cases of chronic periodontitis were allocated into two groups; the test group (n = 30) were treated with scaling and root planing (SRP) and given a dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid while the control group were treated with SRP alone. Clinical parameters carried out were plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), pocket probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) and immunological parameter included interleukin-1β level in saliva at baseline, 3 months and 6 months after therapy.

RESULTS: At 6 months, both the groups showed significant improvements with regards to all clinical and immunological parameters compared to baseline (all p < 0.05). However, test group presented with more favourable statistically significant results.

CONCLUSION: The use of omega-3 fatty acid as nutraceutical agent to conventional method acted as beneficial therapeutic measures and effective in patients with chronic periodontitis when compared with SRP alone.