Browsing by Author "Meirte, William Abderrahmane"
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- Exploring the association between Mediterranean and Western diets on periodontal health: an integrative reviewPublication . Meirte, William Abderrahmane; Guerra, RitaBackground: Periodontal diseases (PDs), including gingivitis and periodontitis, are common inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues supporting teeth. Beyond traditional risk factors such as oral hygiene and smoking, recent research highlights diet’s significant role in modulating periodontal health. The Mediterranean diet (MD), rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, whereas the Western diet (WD), high in processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats, has been associated with pro-inflammatory effects. Understanding how these dietary patterns influence periodontal health could open new avenues for dietary-based interventions in periodontal disease (PD) management. Objectives: To examine the association between adherence to the MD and to the WD with periodontal health outcomes; to explore the underlying biological mechanisms through which these dietary patterns may modulate periodontal inflammation and tissue health. Development: A comprehensive literature research was conducted between May and September 2024, using the keywords: “Western diet”, “Mediterranean diet”, “Periodontal diet”, “Periodontitis”, “Gingivitis” and “Periodontal health”, combined into Boolean search expressions. We only included cohort studies, randomized clinical trials, cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and other types of reviews; articles published in English; conducted on human subjects, and within the last 10 years (2014–2024). A total of 20 articles were included in this integrative review. The findings suggest that the MD, rich in anti-inflammatory components, may help to reduce periodontal inflammation and support periodontal stability due to its anti-inflammatory properties, with most of the included studies showing an association between adherence to MD and improvement in periodontal health. Conversely, the WD is linked to increased periodontal inflammation and greater risk of periodontitis. This review underscores the importance of dietary modifications as complementary strategies in PD management. Integrating dietary counselling focused on an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern, such as MD, into periodontal care may provide a feasible, preventive approach to improve periodontal outcomes. The need for further standardised research is emphasised to strengthen evidence-based dietary recommendations in clinical settings. Conclusions: Nutrition plays a critical role in managing PD. Both types of diet, Mediterranean and Western, were found to be associated to periodontal health, but presenting distinctive roles, whereas the MD is protective, the WD is detrimental.