Keeping your mouth healthy often feels like a matter of discipline. Brush twice a day, floss when you remember, show up for check-ups.
Yet problems with gums still seem to appear quietly with age, even among people who feel they are doing most things right.
That has led researchers to look beyond toothbrushes and toward everyday habits that receive far less attention.
What they are finding suggests that what is missing from the plate may matter just as much as what happens at the sink.
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A closer look at aging mouths
Researchers from Connecticut College, working with scientists from several U.S. universities, analyzed national health and nutrition data from adults aged 65 to 79. Their goal was to understand why severe gum disease remains common among older Americans despite advances in dental care.
The team focused on lycopene, an antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. When they compared dietary intake with oral health outcomes, a clear pattern emerged.
A common shortfall
The data showed that low lycopene intake was widespread among participants. At the same time, severe forms of periodontitis affected a large portion of the group.
After adjusting for factors such as smoking, education, age and background, those with sufficient lycopene intake showed a markedly lower risk of advanced gum disease.
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Differences between groups were also evident. Men and non-Hispanic Black adults experienced higher rates of severe periodontitis, pointing to broader inequalities in oral health.
Key observations included:
- Adequate lycopene intake was linked to substantially lower risk of severe gum disease
- Men were more affected than women
- Risk levels varied across racial groups
What researchers are saying
The authors note that the study cannot prove cause and effect, as it captures a snapshot in time. Still, they argue that diet represents a practical area for prevention efforts.
They also call for long-term studies to test whether increasing lycopene intake can reduce risk or slow disease progression.
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Sources: Science Daily and ScienceDirect
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