A study of 1,227 U.S. adults ages 65 to 79 found that insufficient dietary lycopene intake was associated with a significantly higher risk of severe periodontitis, with risk patterns differing by race and sex. Researchers reported that older adults with sufficient lycopene intake had about one-third the odds of severe periodontitis compared with those with insufficient intake. Severe disease was more common among men and non-Hispanic Black adults. The study suggests dietary lycopene may be a modifiable factor in preventing severe gum disease in older adults and recommends race- and sex-specific prevention strategies.

Dec 16, 2025 — AHA/Circulation links gum disease to higher heart attack, stroke and heart-failure risk; experts urge immediate dental screening.

The evidence is growing.

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