The Role of Diet in Periodontal Inflammation: A Controlled Clinical Study — Recruiting Now

Summary

Diet can influence the body's healing and repair mechanisms. A dietary imbalance obviously cannot trigger periodontal disease in the absence of a primum movens, which is bacterial plaque. However, it can condition its severity and extent by altering the permeability of the oral mucosa, the effectiveness of the immune response and the reparative potential of the gingival tissues. Nutraceuticals is the science that studies the effects of the so-called food-drug, i.e. those foods that contain substances capable of performing a pharmacological function, modifying the functions of the organism. In particular, some molecules that are assimilated through various foods are able to penetrate the cell nucleus and influence, through an epigenetic mechanism, the expression or otherwise of some genes. The aim of our controlled study is to understand whether a vegetarian/vegan diet can be considered as protective for periodontal health compared to an omnivorous diet. For this purpose, we used a test group of 22 omnivorous subjects and a control group of 22 vegetarian/vegan patients in which experimental gingivitis was induced.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria10

Optimal systemic health conditions
Non-Smoking
Absence of cardio-vascular pathologies
Absence of pulmonary pathologies
Non-diabetic
Not pregnant
FMPS <20%
FMBS <20%
Omnivorous or vegan/vegetarian diet for at least a year
Absence of periodontitis

Exclusion Criteria14

Smokers
Presence of systemic pathologies
Presence of cardio-vascular disease
Presence of periodontitis
FMPS>20%
FMBS>20%
Pregnant women
Presence of blood pathologies
Taking medicines (hydantoins, nifedipine or cyclosporine)
Taking oral contraceptives
Bacterial, viral or fungal infections
Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis
Mucocutaneous disorders
Allergic reactions to toothpastes and mouthwashes

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTVegan/vegetarian diet

At baseline, following the compilation of a periodontal chart in which pocket probing depth (PPD) and FMPS and FMBS were recorded, patients with pathological probing depths \>3mm associated with periodontitis were excluded. Healthy patients underwent a prophylaxis session and oral hygiene instructions with brushing and flossing. A mouthwash based on chlorhexifdine 0.20% to be used twice a day was prescribed. At 15 days from the baseline (T0) the periodontal chart was compiled again and the parameters relating to PD, FMP, FMBS and the Eastman Interdental Bleeding Index (EIBI) were collected. Patients with FMBS and FMPS values \>20% were excluded. From time T0 all patients were asked to suspend the interdental hygiene maneuvers by interrupting the use of dental floss and abandoning the use of mouthwash. All patients were recalled weekly, for a total of 4 times (T1, T2, T3, T4) in which parameters related to FMBS, FMPS and EIBI were recorded.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTOmnivorous diet

At baseline, following the compilation of a periodontal chart in which pocket probing depth (PPD) and FMPS and FMBS were recorded, patients with pathological probing depths \>3mm associated with periodontitis were excluded. Healthy patients underwent a prophylaxis session and oral hygiene instructions with brushing and flossing. A mouthwash based on chlorhexifdine 0.20% to be used twice a day was prescribed. At 15 days from the baseline (T0) the periodontal chart was compiled again and the parameters relating to PD, FMP, FMBS and the Eastman Interdental Bleeding Index (EIBI) were collected. Patients with FMBS and FMPS values \>20% were excluded. From time T0 all patients were asked to suspend the interdental hygiene maneuvers by interrupting the use of dental floss and abandoning the use of mouthwash. All patients were recalled weekly, for a total of 4 times (T1, T2, T3, T4) in which parameters related to FMBS, FMPS and EIBI were recorded.

Locations(1)

G. D'Annunzio University

Chieti, CH, Italy