#Gum disease: How the right diet protects

Does Diet Affect Gum Health? The results of a study in the "Journal of Clinical Periodontology" suggest this connection.

Gingivitis, a common inflammatory disease of the gums, is often the onset of a more destructive disease called periodontitis. When fully developed, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. It is therefore important to control plaque build-up.

The uncontrolled plaque accumulation that initially leads to gingivitis may be promoted by a diet high in processed carbohydrates and fatty acids (saturated, trans and omega-6) and low in micronutrients and fiber, the study says.

This type of diet (referred to as the "Western diet" in the study) may both promote systemic inflammation and increase plaque accumulation by altering the oral ecosystem and predisposing the periodontium to gingivitis.

To break this cycle of inflammation and plaque build-up, the study suggested eating a healthy — in other words, anti-inflammatory — diet to reduce gingivitis and, ultimately, improve oral health.

study goals

To evaluate the effect of a healthy diet versus a "Western diet" on gingivitis over an eight-week period. The effects on the subgingival microbiome and blood chemistry parameters were also evaluated.

conclusion

In this study, it can be concluded that switching to a whole foods, plant-based diet can reduce gingivitis.

symptoms

How do you recognize gingivitis and periodontitis?

Inflammation is the body's response to bacteria that build up along the gum line. diet and gums

The onset of inflammation often manifests itself in the form of bleeding that quickly returns, or even pain when brushing your teeth. Because the bleeding and the pain often disappear quickly, those affected often get used to the typical symptoms and usually ignore the onset of periodontitis:

Swollen gums
Receding gums (“longer teeth”)
change in tooth position
Bad breath
And again and again in between bleeding gums and pain

Measures

What can you do against periodontitis and gingivitis?

Like almost everything that is good for us, taking care of the gums also requires a little discipline to prevent plaque from forming.

Brush your teeth thoroughly in the morning and evening, preferably with a soft toothbrush with fine bristles.

Clean the spaces between the teeth. You can do this with dental floss or interdental brushes, which are available in many different strengths.

With a tongue scraper, they get to grips with other bacteria that settle in the so-called villi on the tongue.

Finish cleaning with a mouthwash to improve and maintain oral health.

Very important - Don't make exceptions when brushing your teeth and reconsider your diet: a healthy combination of vegetables, fish and whole grains can generally have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Reference JCP Digest Number 64 is a summary of the article The Impact of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet on Gingivitis. A randomized controlled trial”, J Clin Periodontol. 2019; 46(4):481-490, DOI:10.1111/jcpe.13094.