Impact of anti-inflammatory diet on gingivitis

A new research suggests that people who eat an “anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish are less likely to have gingivitis”

The study was an eight-week randomised controlled trial conducted at the Operative Dentistry and Periodontology Department of the University of Freiburg (Germany) to assess the impact of an anti-inflammatory diet on various parameters in gingivitis patients.

For four weeks, the experimental group switched to a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin D, antioxidants, plant nitrates, and fiber and low in processed carbohydrates and animal proteins. Dietary changes were not made by the control group.

At the end of the four-week period, plaque values did not differ between the groups, but the experimental group displayed “a significant reduction in gingival bleeding, as well as a significant increase in Vitamin-D values and significant weight loss.

Researchers concluded that “gingivitis is profoundly affected by diet.”

References

Woelber, JP,  Gärtner, M,  Breuninger, L, et al.  The influence of an anti-inflammatory diet on gingivitis. A randomized controlled trial. J Clin Periodontol.  2019; 46: 481–490. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13094