An oral health optimized diet can reduce gingival and periodontal inflammation in humans - a randomized controlled pilot study

J. P. Woelber, K. Bremer, K. Vach, D. König, E. Hellwig, P. Ratka-Krüger, A. Al-Ahmad, C. Tennert

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. 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. 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. 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. German Clinical Trials Register; https://www.germanctr.de (DRKS00006301). Registered on 2015-02-21.