According to a new study, people in the UK following a Mediterranean-style diet are more likely to have better gingival health, with lower levels of gingivitis and inflammation.
As published by The Probe, the study from the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences at King’s College London found that those not following a Mediterranean-style diet, particularly those consuming more red meat, had more severe gingivitis. In these individuals, higher levels of circulating inflammatory markers were observed, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Conversely, those who had a diet rich in plant-based food (typical of a Mediterranean diet) – such as legumes, vegetables, fruits, and olive oil – displayed lower levels of inflammatory markers. The Mediterranean diet has commonly been associated with a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and certain cancers.
Dr Giuseppe Mainas, first author of the study which evaluated 200 hospital patients enrolled at the King’s College London Oral, Dental and Craniofacial Biobank, said, “Our findings suggest that a balanced, Mediterranean-type diet could potentially reduce gum disease and systemic inflammation.”
He continued, “We observed that there may be a connection between periodontal disease severity, diet, and inflammation. These aspects should be holistically considered when assessing the treatment for periodontitis in patients. Our research offers an important starting point that can lead to more research to better understand the relationship between foods intake and gum disease.”
> Since you’re here, why not read about how a dentist provides specialist care to African elephant?
Main image credit: Unsplash
