Mediterranean diet reduces risk of periodontal disease

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 7 October 2025

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LONDON, England: Balanced nutrition is known to lower the risk of major non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders and certain cancers. However, its role in periodontal health remains less explored. A recent study on the impact of a Mediterranean-style diet on periodontal disease and related systemic inflammation has suggested that such a diet may help reduce both periodontal disease and inflammatory responses.

The Mediterranean diet, one of the most extensively studied dietary patterns, is primarily plant-based and emphasises foods such as legumes, vegetables, fruits, whole-grain cereals, nuts and olive oil. It is widely recognised as a healthy dietary approach worldwide.

In the study, UK researchers evaluated 195 hospital patients. Each participant underwent a full periodontal examination, provided blood samples and completed a food frequency questionnaire assessing adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet.

The researchers found that low adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with Stage III and IV periodontitis. More frequent red meat consumption was independently linked to increased disease severity. In these patients, higher circulating levels of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, were also observed. The researchers noted that previous studies have reported C-reactive protein as a marker connecting periodontitis and systemic disease, inflammation acting as the common denominator. In contrast, patients in the UK study whose diets were rich in plant-based foods exhibited lower levels of several inflammatory markers.

Lead author Dr Giuseppe Mainas, a postdoctoral researcher at King’s College London, said in a press release: “We observed that there may be a connection between periodontal disease severity, diet and inflammation. These aspects should be holistically considered when assessing the treatment for periodontitis in patients. Our research offers an important starting point that can lead to more research to better understand the relationship between food intake and gum disease.”

Senior author Dr Luigi Nibali, a professor of periodontics and head of the Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions at the university, noted that growing evidence suggests that a balanced diet may play an important role in maintaining periodontal health. “Our research shows the potential effect that a nutrient-dense, plant-rich diet could play in improving the nation’s gum health,” he commented.

The researchers noted that further research should include a larger sample size to validate the current findings. “More investigation is needed to develop personalised approaches to help people manage their gum health,” Prof. Nibali concluded.

The study, titled “Relationship between Mediterranean diet and periodontal inflammation in a UK population: A cross-sectional study”, was published online on 15 September 2025 in the Journal of Periodontology, before inclusion in an issue.