Fasting Could Improve Gum Disease Outcomes

Sunday, June 14, 2026

King’s College London researchers found that a short-term low-calorie diet significantly reduced gum inflammation in patients with gum disease. This dietary approach could provide a non-invasive method to manage gum disease alongside traditional oral care, though further large-scale studies are needed to verify long-term effects.

A recent study conducted by King’s College London suggests that a short-term low-calorie diet may help reduce inflammation associated with gum disease. The research involved 28 patients from hospitals in Spain who were divided into two groups: one followed a restrictive diet while the other maintained their normal eating habits.

The dietary intervention consisted of a six-day regimen repeated three times over six months. For two days, participants consumed 1,100 calories daily, followed by three days at 750 calories. On the sixth day, calories were gradually increased with soft foods, and by the seventh day, participants returned to their usual diet. Researchers observed that those adhering to the restrictive diet exhibited lower levels of gum inflammation, a key indicator of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gum disease, which arises primarily from poor oral hygiene and the buildup of bacteria-laden plaque around the teeth, results in painful infections and inflammation. It is a growing public health concern, with a 2024 study from the University of Greenwich projecting an increase in affected individuals in the United Kingdom—from 42% of the population currently to 54% by 2050. This rise would equate to approximately 28 million people showing signs of the condition.

Professor Luigi Nibali, senior author of the study and an oral microbiome expert at King’s College London, noted several potential mechanisms behind the benefits of fasting. He explained that fasting can reduce oxidative stress—an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants that can cause cell and DNA damage—thereby lowering inflammation. Additionally, restricting the intake of high-calorie and refined carbohydrate-rich foods, such as cakes and biscuits, helps decrease oxidative stress and its inflammatory effects.

The findings offer a promising avenue for non-invasive management of gum disease, though larger clinical trials would be necessary to confirm the results and assess long-term impacts. As gum disease prevalence increases, such dietary approaches could complement traditional oral hygiene practices in improving gum health.