Link found between Mediterranean diet and gum health

Health & FitnessFood
15 Sep 2025 • 10:28 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A study by King's College London suggests that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet can significantly improve gum health and reduce inflammation in adults.
  • Published in the Journal of Periodontology, the research involved 200 hospital patients whose dental health, blood samples, and dietary habits were assessed.
  • The study found that individuals consuming a plant-rich diet, characteristic of the Mediterranean style, exhibited lower levels of inflammatory markers such as Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein.
  • Conversely, patients whose diets included more red meat and fewer plant-based foods were more prone to severe gum disease and higher inflammatory markers.
  • Given that around 45 per cent of UK adults suffer from some form of gum disease, experts propose that a balanced, Mediterranean-type diet could be a beneficial factor in its prevention and management.

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