Mediterranean Diet Can Improve Gum Health? This is the Explanation of Experts

JAKARTA - The Mediterranean diet is a healthy diet inspired by the traditional cuisine of countries around the Mediterranean Sea, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain. This eating pattern focuses on plant-based foods, healthy fats such as olive oil, fish, poultry, and limiting red meat.

Quoted from Healthshots, on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, this diet is good for the overall health of the body. However, what is interesting in the latest study revealed that this diet is good for gum health.

The study was conducted on 200 participants, and found a link between the Mediterranean diet and gum health. It showed that eating more red meat is associated with periodontitis or further gum disease.

However, people who follow a Mediterranean diet rich in plant consumption have healthier gums and lower inflammation.

However, red meat is not entirely bad to eat, because it contains nutrients such as protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Consuming it excessively is not recommended, because it can damage gum health.

"Consuming high amounts of protein can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. These bacteria damage gum tissue and worsen inflammation," said nutritionist Nisha.

In addition, it is also important to remember that gum health is not only influenced by eating patterns such as the Mediterranean diet. Gum health is also influenced by lifestyle such as smoking habits to not take good care of oral hygiene.

"Factors such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, and neglecting regular dental check-ups can also worsen gum inflammation," concluded Nisha.