Mediterranean-style diet linked to better gum health, study finds

A British study suggests that adherence to a Mediterranean style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, dairy, nuts, lean meats, and whole grains, may be linked to better gum health and lower systemic inflammation. In a cohort of about 195 adults undergoing hospital care, researchers found that those who did not follow a plant-rich plan and ate more red meat were more likely to have severe periodontal disease. The study team described the findings as important but noted that it cannot establish causality and that more research is needed to understand the links between diet and gum health. The results appear in the Journal of Periodontology.

Researchers analyzed the health records of 195 hospital patients who underwent dental exams and provided blood samples. Participants also completed dietary questionnaires. After adjusting for age, smoking status, and gender, the team found that higher red meat consumption and not following the Mediterranean style diet correlated with higher levels of circulating inflammatory markers, specifically interleukin 6 and C reactive protein. In contrast, higher intake of vegetables, legumes, and dairy products was associated with lower CRP levels. There were also hints of beneficial trends for fruit and olive oil.

Dr Giuseppe Mainas, a clinical dentistry researcher at King’s College London and a study co-author, said the findings point to a potential link among periodontal disease severity, diet, and inflammation. He noted that the Mediterranean style diet has long been linked to healthier aging in Mediterranean countries, and that aspects of the diet should be considered when evaluating gum disease treatment. Professor Luigi Nibali, a periodontology expert at King’s College London and study co-author, added that there is growing evidence the right balanced diet may help maintain periodontal health, though more work is needed to develop personalized approaches.

Figures in the study show that in the UK just under half of adults have some form of gum disease, with symptoms ranging from red and swollen gums to bleeding. Gum disease results from a plaque buildup that can lead to tartar formation, jaw bone loss, and damage to the connective tissue that holds teeth in place. It can be prevented by good oral hygiene, though outcomes worsen with chronic inflammation linked to other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The study notes that the link between diet and gum health should be interpreted cautiously until larger studies with more detailed dietary data are conducted.

Researchers said the work adds to a broader interest in how diet affects inflammatory processes. The Journal of Periodontology published the piece, and the authors emphasized that the findings require confirmation in larger, more detailed investigations, including better estimates of caloric intake and food frequency data.

Currently, gum disease is typically spotted during a dental exam by measuring the space between the gum and the teeth. Tests that look for the mouth bacteria exist but can take a week to yield results, so clinicians rely on clinical signs and blood markers to gauge inflammation. The study therefore offers a potential route for integrating dietary advice into gum disease management, while recognizing the need for more evidence.