Could A Plant-Based Diet Help Reduce Chances Of Gum Disease?

MILTON KEYNES, U.K. - April 15, 2019 - PRLog -- According to a small study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, a plant-based diet may help reduce symptoms gingivitis.

30 people with gingivitis were studied in a controlled, experimental group by German researchers.

Dental professionals tested and measured their levels of gingivitis.

The severity of their gingivitis and their levels of plaque were then measured by dental professionals.

The participants filled out diet questionnaires, and the researchers took blood samples.

The scientists then randomised half the group who ate their usual diet.

The other half had an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables (especially legumes), nuts and fish, and minimising trans-fatty acids, sugar, dairy products and other animal protein.

They also took vitamin D supplements.

Both groups were instructed not to use any means of cleaning between the teeth, including dental floss.

There were no differences between the groups in plaque accumulation or in blood markers of inflammation, after the eight-week study, in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpe.13094),

Although, they found that compared to the controls, the diet group had higher vitamin D levels, lost weight and had significantly less gum bleeding.

While there were no differences regarding the plaque values, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in gingival bleeding, as well as a significant increase in vitamin D values and a significant weight loss.

As Claydon Dental has a focus on preventative dentistry (https://claydondentalmk.co.uk/services/preventive-dentistry/) we would like to encourage all our patients to continue to floss and brush regularly. Keeping up with regular examinations (https://claydondentalmk.co.uk/services/examinations/) and hygiene (https://claydondentalmk.co.uk/services/dental-hygiene/) appointments are also key to maintaining the highest levels of oral health.

'According to this dental teams should address dietary habits and give adequate recommendations in the treatment of gingivitis, since it might be a side effect of a pro-inflammatory western diet.'

'If your dentist doesn't talk about diet, he's missing one of the causes of gum inflammation.'

'This study results clearly demonstrate the possibility to naturally reduce gingivitis by an optimised diet that also promotes general health.'

Dr Johan P Woelber, lead author, dentist and researcher at the University of Freiburg