title: An oral health optimized diet can reduce gingival and periodontal inflammation in humans - a randomized controlled pilot study.
abstract: The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of four weeks of an oral health optimized diet on periodontal clinical parameters in a randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  
  The experimental group (n = 10) had to change to a diet low in carbohydrates, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and rich in vitamins C and D, antioxidants and fiber for four weeks. Participants of the control group (n = 5) did not change their dietary behavior. Plaque index, gingival bleeding, probing depths, and bleeding upon probing were assessed by a dentist with a pressure-sensitive periodontal probe. Measurements were performed after one and two weeks without a dietary change (baseline), followed by a two week transitional period, and finally performed weekly for four weeks.
  
  
  
  Despite constant plaque values in both groups, all inflammatory parameters decreased in the experimental group to approximately half that of the baseline values (GI: 1.10 ± 0.51 to 0.54 ± 0.30; BOP: 53.57 to 24.17 %; PISA: 638 mm(2) to 284 mm(2)). This reduction was significantly different compared to that of the control group.
  
  
  
  A diet low in carbohydrates, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, rich in vitamins C and D, and rich in fibers can significantly reduce gingival and periodontal inflammation.
  
  
  
  German Clinical Trials Register; https://www.germanctr.de (DRKS00006301). Registered on 2015-02-21.
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Germany. johan.woelber@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Woelber
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bremer
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vach
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: König
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hellwig
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ratka-Krüger
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Ahmad
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tennert
mesh_terms: D001205:Ascorbic Acid; D003773:Dental Plaque; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004032:Diet; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000178:diet therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D009909:Oral Health; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014807:Vitamin D
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D014807:Vitamin D; D001205:Ascorbic Acid
keywords: Carbohydrates; Diet; Fatty acids; Food and nutrition; Gingivitis; Omega 3; Periodontal diseases; vitamins