An oral health optimized diet can reduce gingival and periodontal inflammation in humans - a randomized controlled pilot study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether a diet rich in antioxidants (along with other nutrients) could reduce periodontal inflammation.
Results Summary
The study found that the antioxidant-rich diet significantly reduced gingival and periodontal inflammation, with inflammatory parameters decreasing by approximately half compared to baseline, while plaque levels remained unchanged.
Population
Adults with periodontal inflammation (experimental group n=10, control group n=5).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (dietary intake, not isolated supplement).
Duration
4 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
an oral health optimized diet low in carbohydrates, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and rich in vitamins C and D, antioxidants and fiber | decrease | all inflammatory parameters | experimental group participants | to approximately half that of the baseline values | decreased | #1 |
an oral health optimized diet low in carbohydrates, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and rich in vitamins C and D, antioxidants and fiber | decrease | gingival bleeding index (GI) | experimental group participants | 1.10 ± 0.51 to 0.54 ± 0.30 | decreased | #2 |
an oral health optimized diet low in carbohydrates, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and rich in vitamins C and D, antioxidants and fiber | decrease | bleeding upon probing (BOP) | experimental group participants | 53.57% to 24.17% | decreased | #3 |
an oral health optimized diet low in carbohydrates, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and rich in vitamins C and D, antioxidants and fiber | decrease | periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) | experimental group participants | 638 mm² to 284 mm² | decreased | #4 |
an oral health optimized diet low in carbohydrates, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and rich in vitamins C and D, antioxidants and fiber | decrease | gingival and periodontal inflammation | - | - | significantly reduced | #5 |
- | no change | plaque values | both groups | - | constant | #6 |
BACKGROUND: The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of four weeks of an oral health optimized diet on periodontal clinical parameters in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: The experimental group (n = 10) had to change to a diet low in carbohydrates, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and rich in vitamins C and D, antioxidants and fiber for four weeks. Participants of the control group (n = 5) did not change their dietary behavior. Plaque index, gingival bleeding, probing depths, and bleeding upon probing were assessed by a dentist with a pressure-sensitive periodontal probe. Measurements were performed after one and two weeks without a dietary change (baseline), followed by a two week transitional period, and finally performed weekly for four weeks. RESULTS: Despite constant plaque values in both groups, all inflammatory parameters decreased in the experimental group to approximately half that of the baseline values (GI: 1.10 ± 0.51 to 0.54 ± 0.30; BOP: 53.57 to 24.17 %; PISA: 638 mm(2) to 284 mm(2)). This reduction was significantly different compared to that of the control group. CONCLUSION: A diet low in carbohydrates, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, rich in vitamins C and D, and rich in fibers can significantly reduce gingival and periodontal inflammation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register; https://www.germanctr.de (DRKS00006301). Registered on 2015-02-21.