The results of a new study, which examined the eating habits of thousands of volunteers.
This is a finding that will probably make many people laugh. Eating a little chocolate a day can cut the risk of gingivitis in half. According to a new study, it should just be black.
Scientists believe that this combination is due to the antioxidant substances contained in the cocoa bean. These ingredients are mainly found in dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.
Cheese and unsalted peanuts may also reduce the risk. In contrast, filter coffee and soft drinks are associated with an increased risk of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease (or periodontitis) usually goes through four stages, depending on the degree of damage to the gums, bone and tissues that support the teeth. Its first and mildest stage is gingivitis, characterized by inflammation of the gums.
New findings from scientists at Chongqing and Anhui Medical Universities in China suggest that personalized nutrition can help protect against periodontal disease.
Research
New research It was published in the medical journal Frontiers In Genetics. It was based on an analysis of data from a large medical database UK Biobank.
The database was created based on detailed information Health and lifestyle information provided by 500,000 volunteers since 2006. They also undergo regular medical examinations. At the start of data collection, volunteers were aged 40-69.
In the current study, scientists compared the consumption of 111 different foods and beverages with oral health. As they determined, some of them were related to gingivitis and periodontal disease in general.
In particular, cheese has been shown to reduce the risk of gingivitis by 43%. White rice reduced it by 48% and dark chocolate by 54%. Unsalted peanuts also have an important protective effect. Those who consume them regularly are 71% less likely to get gingivitis and periodontal disease.
In contrast, some sugary breakfast cereals have been found to be particularly aggravating. A study found that they increased the risk of periodontal disease by almost eight times.
Coffee and soft drinks also increase the risk, but to a lesser extent: 42% and 57%, respectively. Scientists think that certain additives in soft drinks may play a role.
As for dark chocolate, it is rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants. These substances can reduce the inflammation of gingivitis and thus prevent the development of periodontal disease.