"Gums Can Be Protected at the Dining Table" — The Cutting Edge of Mediterranean Diet and Inflammation Control: Combat "Periodontal Issues" with Vegetables, Beans, and Fish

1) What was discovered: The "core" of the research

• A research team from KCL in the UK conducted dental examinations, blood tests, and dietary surveys on about 200 hospital visitors. Those who followed a Mediterranean diet pattern had lower severity of periodontitis and lower inflammation markers (IL-6, CRP). Conversely, the more one deviated from the Mediterranean diet, such as frequent consumption of red meat, the worse the condition of the gums.InfoMoney

• The paper was published in the Journal of Periodontology. KCL's release and European media reported on it with similar content.kcl.ac.uk aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Important: This is an observational study (cross-sectional) and does not establish causality. However, the latest data in the dental field supports the hypothesis of "diet = inflammation control = periodontal health."aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

2) Reactions on social media: Media releases and expert accounts spread the news

• KCL and the dental school account posted on X. The summary was "The Mediterranean diet may suppress periodontal disease and systemic inflammation." Dental media, local stations, and business paper accounts followed suit. The central topic of discussion was the perspective of "oral inflammation = linked to systemic diseases."X (formerly Twitter)

• In Brazil, news posts spread, introducing it under the headline "Diet for Teeth (Dieta dos dentes)."X (formerly Twitter)
  
  

3) Why the "Mediterranean diet" is effective for gums (hypothesis of the mechanism)

• Rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients: Oleic acid in olive oil, polyphenols, and dietary fiber abundant in vegetables, beans, and nuts may alleviate inflammation through gut environment and immune response.kcl.ac.uk

• Caution against excessive red meat consumption: The report suggested that groups with high red meat consumption showed a tendency for severe periodontitis and high inflammation markers.InfoMoney
  
  

4) Seven eating habits for "gum-first" that can be implemented immediately

1. Focus on plant-based foods: Aim for "two handfuls" of leafy greens and dark-colored vegetables at every meal. Include tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, etc.kcl.ac.uk

2. Quality fats: Add 1-2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil to salads and fish dishes.kcl.ac.uk

3. Beans and nuts: Consume chickpeas and lentils 3-4 times a week, and a handful of almonds or walnuts.kcl.ac.uk

4. Increase fish consumption: Aim for twice a week with salmon, sardines, etc.

5. Switch to whole grains: Boost dietary fiber with brown rice, whole grain bread, and oats.

6. Regulate "frequency and quantity" of red meat: Keep it small and infrequent, and avoid processed meats as much as possible.InfoMoney

7. Quality of sweets and snacks: Avoid sugary drinks and sticky sweets, and replace them with fruits and nuts.

Of course,brushing, flossing, and regular check-upsare fundamental. Diet alone cannot cure periodontitis. Clinicians also emphasize "combination."ADA News

5) Incorporating into Japanese meals: A model menu for a day

• Breakfast: Whole grain bread with olive oil, tomato, avocado, plain yogurt with walnuts.

• Lunch: Grilled mackerel, brown rice, salad with leafy greens and chickpeas.

• Dinner: Stewed lentils and vegetables, sautéed white fish, ratatouille with olive oil.

• Snacks: Apple with almonds, herbal tea.
  (The principle is "occasionally and in small amounts" for red meat, and avoiding processed meats)InfoMoney
  
  

6) Limitations and interpretation of the study

• As it is a cross-sectional study, it cannot be said that "the Mediterranean diet cures periodontitis." The influence of lifestyle and otherconfounding factorsmay remain.

• Nevertheless, multiple media and academic news have focused on it from the perspective ofgums = systemic inflammation. Future verification inintervention studiesis anticipated.ADA News
  
  

7) Summary: Gums as a "sensor for systemic inflammation"

• The oral cavity is a "window" to internal inflammation. Approaching a Mediterranean diet aligns with reducing risks not only for periodontitis but also forcardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, according to increasing perspectives (though still hypothetical, it is consistent).InfoMoney