Impact of Diet on Gum Health in Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Periodontal diseases such as gum disease and periodontitis are persistent inflammatory disease processes which are multifactorial including diet. Nutrition’s influence over periodontal disorders may result via systemic inflammation as well as oral bacterial community adaption. This study conducted to assess the relationship between dietary patterns and adult periodontal health with regards to clinical determinants and inflammation biomarkers. The analysis presented here was based on a prospective cohort study that included 300 adults, aged between 20 and 60 years, with three different nutrition patterns: group A – those consuming a lot of fruits, vegetables “group B – those with an average mixed diet and group C – those whose diet consists of high number of refined sugars and processed foods. Various parameters to periodontal health such as baseline and 6-months changes in bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI), and probing depth (PD) were evaluated. Data analysis was performed through ANOVA and regression modeling. Group A showcased remarkable improvement in the periodontal parameters as significant reductions were recorded for BOP (45.7%), PI (33.3 %), and PD (17.6%) coupled with lowered CRP (30.4%) and IL-6 (28.9%) concentrations (p < 0.001). BOP (15.3%) PI (19%) PD (11.1%) CRP (24%) and IL-6 (16.7%) levels, GA, and GAG increased for Group C as a marked deterioration was witnessed all over (p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were found during the correlation analysis between nutrient-rich diets and improved periodontal outcomes. Proper nutrition, in particular diets enriched in vitamins and minerals, improves health of the periodontium, while those high in sugar-sweetened beverages worsen the inflammation of the periodontium. These results suggest the growing need for dietary counseling within the framework of significant periodontal disease management.