Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a background in nutrition from Texas Christian University and Tufts University, has highlighted a recent breakthrough in dental health research. Based in Newport Beach, California, Knudsen is dedicated to understanding how dietary choices impact overall health.
Most of us are familiar with the dentist’s advice to cut back on sugar to prevent cavities. It turns out that fiber might be just as crucial for maintaining oral health, particularly when it comes to gum disease.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in Nutrients marks a pioneering effort to consolidate research on fiber intake and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation or infection of the gums and the supporting bone structure, ranks among the top six chronic diseases worldwide.
The comprehensive review examines how dietary fiber influences this prevalent and preventable condition.
Study Findings:
The analysis incorporated six studies, with five involving controlled experiments where participants increased their fiber intake, and one examining the effects of a high-fiber diet over one to two months.
The research revealed a clear connection between higher fiber consumption and reduced markers of gum disease inflammation. Specifically, increasing dietary fiber—between 22 and 30 grams per day—resulted in:
Reduced gum swelling
Decreased plaque buildup
Improved support from the gum tissues that stabilize the teeth
Overall, the study demonstrates that a fiber-rich diet significantly mitigates the inflammatory impact of periodontal disease, underscoring the importance of dietary choices in managing oral health.
You Might Be Interested In
