New research from King’s College London suggests that people who follow a short-term low-calorie diet may have lower levels of inflammation associated with periodontal disease.
This study suggests that lifestyle changes may play an important role in managing periodontal disease, along with plaque removal and good oral hygiene.
Fasting has previously been associated with reduced systemic inflammation, but this is the first study to show a link between fasting and markers of periodontal disease. The findings add to the evidence that oral health and general health are closely linked.
The study’s lead author, Dr Giuseppe Minas from King’s College London, said: “Our study suggests that lifestyle modifications may be important for patients, alongside proper tooth brushing.”
periodontal disease and diet
Periodontitis is a severe periodontal disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is also thought to be linked to other serious health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Current treatments typically focus on cleaning the infected area around the tooth and controlling plaque buildup. But researchers are increasingly studying whether dietary changes can help improve treatment outcomes.
To explore this possibility, researchers recruited 28 patients from hospitals across Spain. Participants were divided into two groups: one followed a 5-day calorie-restricted diet, and the other continued to eat normally.
Subjects in the fasting group ate 1,100 calories per day for the first two days and 750 calories per day for the next three days. On day 6, participants gradually increased their calories using soft foods before returning to their regular diet on day 7. This cycle was repeated three times over a six-month period, and participants reported that the diet was relatively easy to follow.
Reducing inflammation in the blood and gum tissue
Six months later, the researchers analyzed samples taken from the participants’ blood and gingival crevicular fluid. Gingival crevicular fluid is a fluid found in the small space between the teeth and gums that protects the gums and helps protect against harmful microorganisms.
Compared to the control group, participants who completed the fasting program had lower levels of inflammation-related markers in both blood and gum tissue. They also had lower levels of C-reactive protein, a widely used marker of inflammation throughout the body.
Additionally, the fasting group showed a decrease in molecules specifically associated with gingival inflammation.
Why is fasting effective?
Lead author Professor Luigi Nibali from King’s College London said: “There are multiple possible reasons why fasting is beneficial for people with periodontal disease. Fasting reduces oxidative stress in the body, which is a common cause of inflammation that can damage cells and DNA.”
“Eating high-calorie foods such as cakes and biscuits and refined carbohydrates can also cause inflammation, so limiting these foods also reduces oxidative stress in the body.
“It’s also possible that fasting has a beneficial effect on the microbiome – the body’s bacterial population that helps maintain good health. However, further research is needed to confirm this relationship.”
Researchers say a diet that mimics fasting could eventually be studied as an additional tool to support standard periodontal treatment, such as professional teeth cleanings and oral hygiene instruction.
Future research and treatment possibilities
Dr. Minus added: “Now that we have established this relationship, we would like to conduct larger studies before incorporating it into periodontal treatment in the future. Advice needs to be targeted to specific patient groups, as restrictive diets may be dangerous for some patients, such as diabetics. We are currently looking at how these benefits can be introduced to high-risk groups who may not be able to fast.”
The new findings build on years of research from King’s College London that investigated the link between oral health and general health. Last year, King’s researchers found that following a Mediterranean diet reduces periodontal disease, and successful dental treatment may lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
This research Journal of Clinical Periodontology (JCP).
Funding for the study was provided through a Medical Research Council-Impact Accelerator Account (MRC-IAA) grant.
