People who follow a short-term low-calorie diet may have reduced markers of inflammation associated with gum disease, according to a study by King's College London released on June 10. The research highlights the potential importance of lifestyle modifications alongside plaque control in managing gum disease.
While previous studies have linked fasting to reduced inflammation elsewhere in the body, this is the first to establish a relationship with gum disease. The findings provide new insights into how oral health and overall body health are connected.
Dr. Giuseppe Mainas, first author of the study from King's College London, said, "Our study suggests lifestyle modifications could be important alongside proper tooth brushing for patients."
Periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease, affects millions worldwide and has been associated with broader health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Standard treatment typically focuses on cleaning infected areas around teeth; however, researchers are increasingly exploring whether dietary changes can improve outcomes.
The study involved 28 patients from hospitals in Spain divided into two groups: one group followed a five-day restrictive diet while the other continued their usual eating habits. Those who fasted consumed 1,100 calories for two days followed by 750 calories for three days. On the sixth day, more calories were gradually introduced with soft foods before returning to normal diets by day seven. This cycle was repeated three times over six months.
After six months, analysis of blood and gingival crevicular fluid samples showed that those who fasted had reduced markers of inflammation compared to controls—including lower levels of C-reactive protein and molecules specifically linked to gum inflammation.
Senior author Prof. Luigi Nibali said, "There may be multiple reasons why fasting is beneficial to gum disease patients. Fasting reduces oxidative stress in the body, a common cause of inflammation, which can damage cells and DNA." He added that restricting high-calorie foods could also reduce oxidative stress and that further research is needed on how fasting might affect the microbiome.
Dr. Mainas said, "Now we have established this relationship, we would like to do a larger study before potentially incorporating into gum disease treatment in the future. There may be patients where restricting foods can be dangerous... so the advice will need to be targeted."
