Gum disease is one of the most common health problems in the world, yet many people do not realize how serious it can become.
Early gum disease may cause swollen or bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing.
If left untreated, it can develop into a more severe condition called periodontitis. This advanced form of gum disease damages the tissues and bone that support the teeth and can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Over the past several years, scientists have discovered that gum disease is not only a problem inside the mouth.
Research has shown that poor gum health may be linked to other major health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation throughout the body.
Because of these connections, researchers have been searching for new ways to improve gum disease treatment beyond brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings.
A new study from King’s College London suggests that a short-term low-calorie diet may help reduce inflammation linked to gum disease.
The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology and provide new evidence that lifestyle habits may play an important role in oral health.
Scientists have known for some time that fasting and calorie restriction can reduce inflammation in different parts of the body.
Inflammation is a natural response that helps the body fight infections and repair damage.
However, when inflammation becomes long-lasting, it can contribute to many diseases. Until now, researchers had not clearly shown that fasting could affect biological markers related specifically to gum disease.
The study was led by Dr. Giuseppe Mainas and his colleagues at King’s College London. The research team recruited 28 patients from hospitals across Spain.
The participants were divided into two groups. One group followed a special low-calorie diet, while the other continued eating their normal diet.
The calorie-restricted group followed a carefully designed eating plan. During the first two days of each cycle, participants consumed about 1,100 calories per day.
During the next three days, they reduced their intake to about 750 calories per day. On the sixth day, calories were slowly increased using soft foods before participants returned to their normal eating habits on the seventh day. This process was repeated three times over a six-month period.
After six months, the researchers examined blood samples and samples of gingival crevicular fluid. The results showed lower levels of inflammatory markers in both blood and gum tissue among people who completed the fasting-style diet.
They also had lower levels of C-reactive protein, a common marker of inflammation throughout the body.
Professor Luigi Nibali explained that fasting may reduce oxidative stress, a process that damages cells and contributes to inflammation.
Restricting foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates may also help reduce inflammation. Scientists also believe fasting may affect the microbiome, the community of bacteria living in the body, although more research is needed.
The findings do not mean people should stop brushing their teeth or skip dental visits. Standard treatments remain essential. Instead, the study suggests dietary changes may eventually become an additional tool alongside existing treatments.
When reviewing the findings, it is important to consider both strengths and limitations. The study measured objective biological markers, which strengthens the results. However, only 28 people took part, making the study relatively small.
Larger studies will be needed before doctors can recommend fasting-style diets as a routine part of gum disease treatment.
Overall, the research offers promising evidence that short-term calorie restriction may help reduce inflammation linked to gum disease and highlights the close connection between oral health and overall health.
If you care about tooth health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more health information, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
Source: King’s College London.
