Oral Health and impacts of the Mediterranean Diet – In conversation with Prof. Dr. Simone Grandini

We felt like it was time to understand a bit more about oral health and how the mediterranean diet can have extremely positive impacts, so we arranged a conversation with Prof. Dr. Simone Grandini DDS MSc PhD, Dean of the School of Dental Medicine and Vice Director of the Department of Medical Biotechnology, Head of Department of Endodontics, Periodontology, Restorative and Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Siena, Italy. And if that wasn’t enough expertise, he is also the President of the Italian Society of Restorative Dentistry (SIDOC), and Honorary Professor at the University of Hong Kong.

Aside from the basic things we know we should all do (such as floss, regular dental check-ups) and the things we know shouldn’t do (such as consume sugary or carbonated drinks for example), how can diet & lifestyle improve our oral health?
While we often think of oral health in terms of basic practices like brushing, flossing, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding sugary or carbonated drinks, there’s much more to consider. In the past few years, my research group and I have been investigating the connections between oral health and systemic health, focusing on how lifestyle factors can significantly influence both. In particular, periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gums and the bone supporting the teeth, is linked to various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Factors such as being overweight, smoking, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity can contribute to the development of periodontitis and other oral health issues. Research indicates that adhering to a Mediterranean diet can offer substantial benefits for oral health. This dietary pattern emphasizes the consumption of whole grains, a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products, olive oil, fish, nuts, and moderate amounts of red or white wine. It also encourages limited intake of red meat and significantly restricts processed foods, such as sugary snacks, soft drinks, and high-fat dairy products. Adhering to the Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the amount of inflammation in your body, which in turn leads to a decreased risk of developing gum diseases as well as other chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Moreover, carrying out regular physical exercise, together with keep low stress levels and a good sleep quality were associated with a lower probability of developing gum diseases. Hence, by adopting a holistic approach that combines a nutritious diet with healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can improve their oral health while simultaneously enhancing their overall well-being.

If we invert this thought, can good oral health have an influence on our general health? Presumably gut health is closely linked?
Many studies have shown how a good oral health is linked to a lower inflammation in your body. A very hot topic at the moment in research is the link between oral health and the gut microbiome. In fact, every time we brush or we eat, part of the bacteria present in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and thus reach the gut. As such, maintaining good oral health and keeping only the good bacteria in your mouth will lead to positive changes to your gut health as well.

Maintaining good oral hygiene – such as brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and visiting a dentist – is not only essential for preventing tooth decay and gum disease, but it can also play an important role in promoting your overall health. Therefore, taking care of your oral health can be seen as an investment in your broader health and well-being.

How important is the health of the gut microbiome in determining recovery rate after dental interventions?
Well, how the healthy gut could contribute to oral health is an open debate among researchers. The scientific literature about this issue is very poor and, in most of the cases, controversial. A lot of systemic comorbidities could affect the healing process of our treatments, like diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis. All these systemic conditions have in common an impaired immune system that could delay or, in some cases, interfere with the healing process. One theory, to be confirmed, is due to the bacterial gut translocation in the systemic blood flow with activation of the immune system, this event is called “systemic low-grade inflammation”. At the end bad bacteria in the mouth means bad microflora in the gut and bad microflora in the gut means inflammation and less capacity to heal.

Inflammation is something that can be controlled medically, but what benefit do you see raising anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as high quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, leafy greens, nuts, tomatoes in your diet in order to deliver longer-term benefits to your oral health?
Incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients like high-quality extra virgin olive oil, leafy greens, nuts, and tomatoes into your diet can have significant long-term benefits for your oral health. Low-grade inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of various oral health issues, including periodontitis. By consuming a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, you can help mitigate this inflammation and support your body’s health and natural healing processes. Extra virgin olive oil, for instance, contains antioxidants and healthy fats that can reduce inflammation, combatting oxidative stress, further aiding the reduction of inflammation. It contains compounds such as oleocanthal, which has been shown to have effects similar to common anti-inflammatory medications. Regular consumption of olive oil may help decrease inflammation in the gums, contributing to better gum health and reduced risk of periodontal disease.

By consistently including these anti-inflammatory foods in your diet, you not only improve your oral health but also enhance your overall well-being. This dietary approach helps create a balanced immune response, lowers the risk of chronic diseases, and promotes healthier tissues in the mouth, ultimately contributing to a healthier smile over the long term. It’s a proactive strategy that complements medical interventions and can lead to more sustainable health outcomes.

What would be your 3 key recommendations to improve general oral health?
To improve general oral health, it’s essential to combine good oral hygiene practices with a healthy lifestyle. First, follow an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, and healthy fats like olive oil. This diet reduces systemic inflammation, helping to prevent gum disease and protect overall oral health. Second, maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental check-ups. Limiting sugary and processed foods is also crucial for preventing cavities and gum issues. Third, manage stress and prioritize sleep quality, as chronic stress and poor sleep can increase susceptibility to oral infections like periodontitis. Finally, incorporate regular physical exercise (even 30 minutes daily, like a brisk walk in the morning), as it can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and strengthen the immune system, all of which benefit both oral and overall health. By adopting these habits, you can significantly improve your oral and systemic well-being.

You have been following Frantoi since the beginning in 2016 – you show a passion for our oils that we appreciate hugely. As an Italian who has access to a massive array of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, what stands out for you about the selection from Frantoi?

I think Frantoi perfectly represents Italian excellence in the field of EVOO for several reasons. First, Frantoi stands out from all the rest of the available offer, there is a lot of work in selecting the best producer and the best products, providing the customer with the best and healthiest extra virgin olive oil. I have been using this as my Christmas gift for all my closest friends, which have always hugely appreciated the gift, and I know they are anticipating it when Christmas comes!

Congratulations on the success of Frantoi! The hard work, passion, and dedication you’ve put into crafting such high-quality extra virgin olive oil truly shine through. It’s inspiring to see your efforts pay off and to witness Frantoi bring a taste of authenticity to so many. I am sure your company will continue to flourish and bring the richness of your olive oils to tables far and wide!