How Short‑Term Fasting May Calm Gum Inflammation

New research from King’s College London shows that a brief, low‑calorie diet can lower the inflammation linked to gum disease.

The study adds to growing proof that what we eat affects both our mouth and the rest of our body.

Gum Disease and What We Eat

Periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease, hurts millions of people worldwide. It is also linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Typical treatment cleans the teeth and removes plaque. Scientists are now asking if changing the diet could improve these treatments.

What the Researchers Did

Twenty‑eight volunteers from hospitals in Spain joined the study. They were split into two groups.

• One group followed a five‑day low‑calorie plan.
• The other group ate as usual.

The fasting plan gave 1,100 calories per day for the first two days, then 750 calories for the next three days. On day six, soft foods were slowly added, and on day seven participants returned to their normal diet. This cycle was repeated three times over six months.

What the Results Showed

After six months, the scientists examined blood and gum‑fluid samples. The fasting group had lower levels of inflammation markers in both places.

They also had less C‑reactive protein, a common sign of whole‑body inflammation, and fewer gum‑specific inflammatory molecules.

Why Might Fasting Help?

Eating lots of high‑calorie foods and refined carbs (like cakes and biscuits) can cause inflammation. Cutting these foods reduces stress on the body.

Fasting may also improve the microbiome – the community of helpful bacteria in our gut – which could further calm gum inflammation. More research is needed to confirm this.

Looking Ahead

Researchers want to run a larger trial to see if fasting‑like diets can become a regular part of gum‑disease care. They note that some patients, such as those with diabetes, may need a different approach.

Earlier work at King’s College showed that a Mediterranean diet can also lower gum disease risk, and that good dental treatment may cut the chance of heart disease and diabetes.

The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology and funded by a Medical Research Council‑Impact Accelerator Account grant.