Research into the relationship between a plant-based diet and oral health : a pilot study

Abstract

Recent studies are showing how diet can impact a range of general illnesses (especially chronic diseases) and this has led others to consider the effect of diet on periodontal health, since periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease. Objective: The aims and objectives of this research was to identify whether there is an impact of a plant-based diet on the oral health of adults between 18 and 70 years of age. Method: Eighteen healthy non-smoking adult participants were recruited for this study through social media posts, advertisements, and snowball effect. Ten were allocated into the study group (vegan diet), eight into the control group (non-vegetarian diet). The periodontal condition of all participants was assessed using the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE), Silness and Löe Plaque Index (PI), and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). Erosive tooth wear and caries prevalence were measured with the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) and The International Caries Assessment and Detection System (ICDAS) indices. Results: The mean value of the BPE score within the vegan group was significantly lower (0.30) than the non-vegetarian group (1.79) [p<0.001]. The vegan group also had lower scores for the PI and GBI: PI [vegan group (0.07), non-vegetarian group (0.67)], GBI [vegan group (4.30), non-vegetarian group (31.38)]. Regarding the oral hygiene habits, the vegan group were more likely to brush their teeth twice a day or more (80 %), than the non-vegetarian group (37.5%). With respect to BEWE and DMFT values no significant differences were found. Conclusion: The research showed a clear difference between the two groups regarding periodontal health. Vegans demonstrated a better oral hygiene regime, statistically significantly lower scores of the BPE, PI and GBI. No differences were observed between the two groups regarding BEWE or DMFT values.