- A small clinical study found that a short-term low-calorie fasting-style diet reduced markers of gum disease inflammation.
- The fasting group showed lower inflammatory markers in both blood and gum tissue after six months.
- The approach is not suitable for everyone, especially some people with diabetes, and needs larger studies before it becomes part of routine care.
A small study from King’s College London suggests a fasting-style diet may help reduce inflammation linked to gum disease.
The research looked at periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can damage the tissues supporting the teeth.
Gum disease is usually treated through plaque control, professional cleaning and good oral hygiene.
But researchers are increasingly interested in whether diet and inflammation also play a role.
The study recruited 28 patients from hospitals in Spain.
One group followed a calorie-restricted diet, while the other continued eating as usual.
The fasting-style diet lasted five days at a time.
Participants consumed 1,100 calories per day for the first two days, then 750 calories per day for the next three days.
They then gradually reintroduced food before returning to their usual diet.
This cycle was repeated three times over six months.
At the end of the study, researchers tested blood and gum fluid samples.
The fasting group had lower levels of inflammation-related markers than the control group.
They also had lower C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation across the body.
The researchers think fasting may help by reducing oxidative stress and lowering inflammation.
It may also affect the oral microbiome, although that needs more research.
This is interesting because gum disease is not just a mouth problem.
It has been linked with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Seven days of fasting triggers major changes across the body
- Popular 5:2 fasting diet beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity
- Intermittent fasting linked to lower Crohn’s disease activity in a randomised trial
That does not mean fasting is a treatment for gum disease.
The study was small and needs to be repeated in larger groups.
It also will not be suitable for everyone.
People with diabetes, a history of eating disorders or certain medical conditions should not attempt fasting-style diets without clinical advice.
The practical message is that oral health is shaped by more than brushing alone.
Diet, inflammation and wider metabolic health may all matter.
