Study Reveals Mediterranean Diet Reduces Gum Inflammation - Video

People who closely follow a Mediterranean-style diet may enjoy healthier gums and reduced inflammation, according to new research from King’s College London. The study, published in the Journal of Periodontology, suggests that dietary choices, especially diets rich in plant-based foods—could play a vital role in preventing or reducing the severity of gum disease.

The Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, and lean proteins, has already been linked to reduced risks of heart disease, neurodegenerative conditions, and certain cancers. This latest study adds oral health to that list. Researchers found that individuals who did not follow a Mediterranean-style diet, particularly those who consumed red meat frequently, had more severe gum disease and higher levels of systemic inflammation.

The team evaluated 200 hospital patients who were enrolled in the King’s College London Oral, Dental and Craniofacial Biobank. Each participant underwent dental examinations, provided blood samples, and completed dietary questionnaires. The data revealed that those with plant-based diets typical of the Mediterranean style had lower levels of inflammatory markers such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). In contrast, higher inflammation was observed in those who consumed more red meat and fewer plant-based foods.

Dr Giuseppe Mainas, the study’s first author and a postdoctoral researcher at King’s College London, highlighted the significance of these findings: “Our findings suggest that a balanced, Mediterranean-type diet could potentially reduce gum disease and systemic inflammation.”

He added, “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 foods intake and gum disease.”

While more studies are needed to explore this link further, the results underscore the growing evidence that what we eat may directly impact not just general health but also oral health and immune response.

Reference: Mainas G, Grosso G, Di Giorgio J, et al. Relationship between Mediterranean diet and periodontal inflammation in a UK population: A cross-sectional study. J Periodontol. 2025; 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1002/jper.70016