A new study shows that the Mediterranean diet could offer another surprising advantage: better oral health

The Mediterranean regime is known to offer a number of advantages—Prom to support heart health in preserving cognition – but new research suggests it can also Protect against gum disease.

“The gum disease is often considered purely a hygiene problem, but our results suggest that what we eat can play a support role,” said Luigi Nibali, doctorate, principal author and parodontology professor at King’s College in London, said Health. “A balanced and rich diet can help reduce inflammation and support healthier gums alongside regular oral care.”

For the study, published in the Journal of PeriodontologyResearchers examined the data of 200 hospital patients – including the results of a complete dental examination, blood samples and a diet questionnaire – in oral, dental and craniofacial biobanque of King’s College of King’s College.

People who most closely followed the Mediterranean diet had better gum health and lower inflammation levels. Those who have not followed a Mediterranean diet showed signs of more serious gum disease and had good health in all gums, as well as higher levels of inflammation, especially if they ate a lot of red meat.

It was not the first study connecting the Mediterranean regime to better gum health, but previous research has not been conclusive.

Likewise, the researchers stressed that the new study found only one association – not causality – and that having data from more people would have strengthened the results of the study.

The gum disease is widespread in the United States – 2 in 5 adults aged 30 and over have some form of the disease, called periodontal disease.

The most common cause is bad brushing and dental silk, which allows the plate to accumulate along the gum. This creates inflammation in the gums while the body tries to fight against harmful bacteria – this is where the diet could play a role.

“The Mediterranean diet is rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as antioxidants, healthy fibers and fats, which can help modulate the body’s immune response”, ” Nibali said. “On the other hand, diets rich in processed foods and red meats tend to promote inflammation, which can worsen gum tissues and contribute to the progression of the disease.”

There is not enough information to say definitively that following a Mediterranean diet will prevent gum disease, but it is a tool that people can use reduce systemic inflammation, said Beatriz Bezerra, DDS, PHD, associate clinic professor and director of the predoctoral program in the periodontics section at the UCLA School of Dentistry.

“Regular dental visits, daily brushing and dental silk, as well as other healthy habits that include, without limiting themselves, an anti-inflammatory diet, can help reduce the appearance and severity of gum disease,” she said Health.

He is sure to try the Mediterranean diet to help support oral and global health if you are interested.

However, the diet does not replace other oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, dental silk and regular teeth cleanings.