Is There a Connection Between Our Diet, Gum Health, and Inflammation?

A team of researchers has sought to find out if there is a connection between our diet, inflammation in the body, and gum disease. The link between poor diet and oral health problems is known, but how these factors relate to inflammation isn’t clear. The findings of the study emphasize the importance of having a healthy diet and looking after our oral health.

While unhealthy diets are already associated with poor oral health, the specific connection between diet, inflammation, and gum health isn’t too well studied.

The findings of the study have implications for everyone. Increased awareness of the problems linked to poor diet can help to improve overall health.

Background

The link between diet and health is very clear. An unhealthy diet has been linked with physical health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and premature death [2].

Moreover, poor diet can cause a range of oral health problems too. For example, high sugar diets hasten the process of tooth decay and gum disease. These problems can lead to cavities or infections developing.

Inflammation can be a consequence of poor diet and can be very harmful. The severity of inflammation can be assessed through something called a CRP test.

CRP stands for “C-reactive protein” [3]. CRP is produced by the liver and inflammation results in high concentrations of CRP being found. So high levels of CRP is seen as a sign of inflammation.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team of Finnish researchers. Their findings have been presented at EuroPerio11 – a conference organized by the European Federation of Periodontology [1].

The researchers conducted the research over an 11-year period. They pointed out that diet and existing gum disease are both risk factors for systemic inflammation [1].

The specific aim of this study was to review how adherence to a healthy diet or a proinflammatory diet was linked to elevated CRP levels in patients with periodontitis after 11 years [1].

A healthy diet was measured through the Baltic Sea Diet Score (BSDS). Meanwhile, a proinflammatory diet, which involves a diet with high calorie intake, low-nutrient foods, and high levels of refined sugars, was measured through the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) [1].

The researchers used data from two Finnish surveys, with one from 2000 and one in 2011. A total of 3,307 participants had their progress tracked [1].

In terms of gum disease, the researchers considered someone to have the condition if they had at least one gum pocket depth of 6 millimetres or deeper [1].

Then, the participants were divided into six groups, depending on their positioning in the BSDS, the DII, and their periodontal status [1].

The researchers measured Serum CRP levels using the Kruskall-Wallis test. Then, binary logistic regression was used to determine the odds that a participant would have a CRP above or below 2 mg/liter after 11 years.

The results and implications

This analysis helped the researchers to draw their conclusions. Interestingly, those with advanced gum disease had a higher CRP concentration, irrespective of their BSDS score [1]. Therefore, the impact of gum disease was clear.

Moreover, participants with advanced gum disease that had a proinflammatory diet also had a higher risk of elevated CRP concentration when compared to those adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet [1].

Again, the results underline the impact of gum disease. Furthermore, it also demonstrated that a proinflammatory diet can have a negative impact. There was clearly a connection.

The researchers noted that over the 11 years, the levels remained persistently high in those with gum disease and a proinflammatory diet.

With high levels of CRP being a clear indicator of systemic inflammation, the results showed the harm caused by these areas. It is important that this knowledge is known by dentists and patients alike.

The key takeaway is that there is a clear connection between diet, oral health, and systemic inflammation. It also emphasizes the importance of oral health when it comes to boosting our overall health.

Professor Lior Shapira of EuroPerio11 commented, saying that the findings showed “the complex interplay between oral health, diet, and systemic conditions” [1].

Continuing, Shapira said that the findings reinforce “the notion that the effects of periodontitis extend beyond the oral cavity” [4]

Shapira went onto explain that “diet has a profound effect on the oral and gut microbiome, which may affect human health in various ways,” before concluding by stating “the combination of periodontal disease and a proinflammatory diet amplify systemic inflammation, which may have implications for broader health outcomes” [4].

Knowing about this connection is important. Dentists can pass this information onto their patients, as should those in wider health professions.

Thinking points…

[1] With the above in mind, have a think – is there anything you can do to improve your diet? As seen above, diet is important for your oral health! Another important thing is to attend regular dental check-ups. At a check-up, a dentist will be able to thoroughly review your oral health, provide advice, and suggest treatment options if necessary. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

[2] The research involved looking at gum disease. The health of our gums is crucial. It is important to remember that gum disease is preventable. While it can’t be cured, its progress can be slowed through interventions like root planing and scaling. If you have gum disease, you could look into these treatments, as they can be very helpful!

What we offer at Taradale Dental

Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign[TM]! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.

We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!

References

[1] EuroPerio11. (2025). O045 Cumulative Exposure to Periodontitis and Proinflammatory Diet Associates with Systemic Inflammation: An 11-year Follow-up Study. Available: https://europerio11.abstractserver.com/program/#/details/presentations/340. Last accessed: 14th May 2025.

[2] World Health Organization. (2025). Noncommunicable diseases. Available: https://www.emro.who.int/noncommunicable-diseases/causes/unhealthy-diets.html. Last accessed: 14th May 2025.

[3] NHS Wales. (2024). Blood tests. Available: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/bloodtests/. Last accessed: 14th May 2025.

[4] European Federation of Periodontology. (2025). Study finds proinflammatory diets worsen gum disease and boost inflammation over time. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-proinflammatory-diets-worsen-gum-disease.html. Last accessed: 14th May 2025.