Nutrition & DietShort-Term Fasting Cuts Gum Disease Inflammation in Clinical Trial
New research from King's College London shows that a short-term, low-calorie fasting diet can significantly reduce inflammation linked to gum disease. In a small clinical study, participants who followed a structured calorie-restricted plan three times over six months showed lower levels of C-reactive protein and gum-specific inflammation markers compared to controls. This is the first study to directly connect fasting with improved gum disease markers. The findings suggest that dietary changes could complement standard dental treatments like plaque removal. Researchers believe fasting may work by reducing oxidative stress, limiting intake of inflammatory refined carbohydrates, and potentially improving the gut and oral microbiome. While the study was small, the results open a promising new avenue for managing periodontitis through lifestyle interventions.
