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2w ago

Mediterranean Diet Linked to Lower Gum Disease and Inflammation in UK Study

Researchers describe associative findings, urging further study before clinical guidance changes.

Healthy gums like these might be within reach if you eat according to the Mediterranean diet, says a new study

Overview

  • King's College London published the observational analysis in the Journal of Periodontology after evaluating 200 hospital patients using dental exams, blood tests, and diet questionnaires.
  • High adherence to a Mediterranean-style, plant-rich diet was associated with 65% lower odds of severe periodontitis and smaller average pocket depths (2.83 mm versus 3.29 mm).
  • Participants reporting greater red meat intake showed nearly three times the risk of severe gum disease compared with those eating the least.
  • Blood biomarkers of inflammation, including IL-6 and CRP, were lower among participants whose diets aligned with Mediterranean patterns.
  • Lead researchers Luigi Nibali and Giuseppe Mainas caution that the results show associations only and call for larger, causal studies to guide personalized periodontal care.