Short-Term Fasting May Reduce Gum Disease Inflammation: Study - Video

A five-day low-calorie diet may help reduce inflammation linked to gum disease, suggesting that what you eat could play an important role in oral health alongside regular brushing and professional dental care.

Researchers from King's College London found that short-term calorie restriction lowered inflammatory markers in both the blood and gum tissue of people with periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that has also been linked to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

The study involved 28 patients, who were divided into two groups. One group followed a fasting-mimicking diet three times over six months, while the other continued their usual eating habits. During each cycle, participants consumed about 1,100 calories for the first two days, followed by 750 calories for the next three days. They then gradually returned to a normal diet over the following two days. After six months, researchers analyzed blood samples and gingival crevicular fluid—the fluid found between the gums and teeth that reflects gum health.

Compared with the control group, participants who followed the low-calorie diet showed lower levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation throughout the body. They also had reduced levels of inflammatory molecules specifically associated with gum disease.

Researchers believe several factors may explain the benefits. Calorie restriction can reduce oxidative stress, a process that damages cells and fuels inflammation. Eating fewer refined carbohydrates and high-calorie foods may also help lower inflammation. In addition, fasting could influence the oral and gut microbiome, although more research is needed to confirm this effect.

Because fasting may not be suitable for everyone, including some people with diabetes or other medical conditions, researchers say larger studies are needed before the approach can be recommended in routine clinical care. Future research will also explore safer dietary strategies for high-risk patients who cannot fast.

REFERENCE: Mainas, G., E. Figuero, M. A. Basilio, et al. 2026. “A Fasting-Mimicking Diet Affects the Inflammatory Response Following Periodontal Treatment: A Multi-centre Feasibility Randomised Controlled Pilot Trial.” Journal of Clinical Periodontology1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.70139