How do dietary restrictions affect inflammation associated with periodontal disease?

A study which examined how dietary restrictions might affect periodonal disease, has found that curbing caloric intake can have a positive effect on the condition by reducing local and systemic inflammation. 

A report in Dental Tribune International on the study, “Could dietary restrictions affect periodontal disease? A systematic review”, published online on 18 May 2023 in Clinical Oral Investigations, indicated that progression of periodontal disease could be minimised. 

Comparing dietary intake in both animals and humans through six included studies, the research however comes with a key caveat notes the report. 

“However, the researchers noted that the findings should be interpreted with caution since the systematic review only included a limited number of studies, the majority of which were conducted on animal models. Additionally, the human studies were methodologically simple studies with only a four-month follow-up period. Therefore, the researchers believe that further studies in the area should be undertaken.” 

But Dr Luigi Nibali, a professor of periodontics in the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences at King’s College London, noted that if confirmed, the results offer the possibility of both reducing inflammation and improving responses to treatment. 

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