A Mediterranean-style diet plan has long been hailed as the secret behind Italians and Spaniards living long and healthy lives, as well as low rates of obesity and diet-related illnesses. 

Now, British scientists have discovered that people who religiously sticking to the plan—which features lean meat, poultry, grains and a host of fruit and vegetables—are more likely to have better gum health.

Assessing the diets of almost 200 adults, researchers found that those who did not eat a ‘plant-rich diet’ and ate more red meat were more likely to have severe gum disease.

It is estimated that 45 per cent of Britons suffer with gum disease, which in its most advanced stages can lead to loss of teeth.  

The scientists, who labelled the findings ‘important’, did not explain why red meat may trigger the condition. 

But they believe plant-based diets contain more of these macronutrients and micronutrients, that can lead to lower levels of inflammation.

Previous research has also shown that chewing green leafy and cruciferous vegetables, root vegetables, apples, and citrus fruit—all key parts of the Mediterranean diet—can promote healthy teeth and gums. 

Dr Giuseppe Mainas, a researcher in clinical dentistry at King’s College London and study co-author, said: ‘We observed that there may be a connection between periodontal disease severity, diet, and inflammation. 

‘These aspects should be holistically considered when assessing the treatment for gum disease in patients. 

A Mediterranean-style diet plan has long been hailed as the secret behind Italians and Spaniards living long and healthy lives and low rates of obesity and diet-related illnesses

‘Our research offers an important starting point that can lead to more research to better understand the relationship between foods intake and gum disease.’

Professor Luigi Nibali, an expert in periodontology at King’s College London and study co-author, added: ‘There is emerging evidence about the role that a balanced diet might have in maintaining a periodontal healthy status. 

‘More investigation is needed to develop personalised approaches to help people manage their gum health.’

Figures show just under half of adults have some form of gum disease in the UK, which leaves gums red, swollen, sore and bleeding and is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth.

The condition can cause jaw bone loss, gaps under the teeth and damage the connective tissue that keeps teeth in place.

It can be prevented by brushing teeth to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar, a hard cement-like substance that can only be removed professionally.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, has also previously been tied to chronic inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, premature birth, and low birth weight. 

In the study, the scientists analysed the health records of 195 hospital patients by performing dental exams and taking blood samples. Participants also filled out dietary questionnaires. 

After accounting for factors that could skew the results, such as age, smoking status and gender, they found those who ate more red meat and did not follow the Mediterranean diet had higher levels of circulating inflammatory markers.

These included interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP).

‘These markers increase in the presence of trauma or inflammation anywhere in the body,’ Professor Nibali said. 

‘However, sometimes there is an exaggerated response which can lead to more gum disease. Higher levels of these markers mean more inflammation.

‘Higher consumption of vegetables, legumes and dairy products were correlated with lower inflammatory marker C-reactive protein, so they seem to be helpful. 

‘There were some beneficial trends also for fruit and olive oil,’ he added.

Writing in the Journal of Periodontology, researchers said diet ‘should be holistically considered when assessing periodontitis and inflammation’.

But they noted: ‘These results have to be interpreted with caution, and studies with larger sample size and more detailed food frequency questionnaires and details about caloric consumption should be carried out.’ 

Currently, gum disease is spotted during a dental exam, with dentists detecting inflammation in the gums by measuring the space between the gum and the teeth.

Tests that look for the type of bacteria in the mouth are available – but patients have to wait up to a week for the results.