Periodontitis is a severe gum disease that can be an indicator of other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Lycopene has been suggested as an adjunct therapy for periodontitis. This study aims to investigate the association between insufficient lycopene intake and the risk of Periodontitis among non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) older adults.

The study included 1,227 adults aged 65–79 years from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2009–2014). Total lycopene intake from daily diet was studied with age, race, marital status, smoking status, BMI, diabetes, sex, and education as independent variables in regression model.

Overall, 48.7% of the older adults exhibited varying degrees of PD, and 49.1% had insufficient dietary lycopene intake. Adequate lycopene intake was associated with a reduced likelihood of severe PD (odds ratio (O.R.): 0.33; 95%CI: 0.17−0.65). NHBs were more prone to developing severe PD compared to NHWs (O.R.: 2.82, 95%CI: 1.46−5.45). Women exhibiting a lower likelihood of severe PD than men (O.R.: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.14−0.55). NHW females, who were less likely to have severe PD compared to NHW males (O.R.: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.12−0.56).

Dietary lycopene intake is associated with reduced risk of severe PD, particularly in NHW individuals over 65 years old. PD was more common in men and NHB individuals, with a latter group showing a higher prevalence of severe PD. Our results suggest that future PD prevention strategies should consider targeted, race-and sex-specific dietary interventions.