The Effects of an Anti-inflammatory Diet on Gingival Health in Children (Randomized controlled trial)

Abstract

Background: Several studies observed that only under western diet condition, there was a link between improper plaque control measures and gingival inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this clinical trial was to study the effects of an anti-inflammatory diet on the clinical and serological parameters in children with gingivitis. Subjects and methods: Forty children were randomly allocated to test and a control group. The participants within a test group were instructed to change their usual diet to anti-inflammatory diet that is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, plant nitrates, vitamin D, fibers and contain a low amount of processed carbohydrates for 4 weeks. While patients within the control group followed their usual dietary habit until the termination of the study. Gingival index and Plaque index were recorded at baseline and after 4 weeks for all children in both groups. Salivary samples were taken at baseline and after 4weeks for quantification assessment of serological parameters for all participants. Results: While, all patients in both groups showed an increase in the mean values of plaque index. Children within the test group showed a significant decrease in the mean values of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), gingival index, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) from baseline to the end. This reduction was statistically significant when compared to a control group. Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory diet can significantly reduce serological parameters and gingival inflammation in children.