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    • ID 164549270 © Roman Samborskyi | Dreamstime.com
    6700270a5587e88ab3062efc Dreamstime L 164549270
    1. For Patients
    2. Periodontology

    Over half of Americans have a pro-inflammatory diet, according to new research

    Oct. 4, 2024
    A new study found that nearly 60% of Americans have a pro-inflammatory diet, but consuming anti-inflammatory foods can improve oral and overall health.
    It's no secret America has health and diet issues. Over the years, our penchant for processed food and overconsumption has led to high rates of obesity, heart disease, cancer, and stroke.1 And according to the CDC, an estimated 36.6% or approximately 84.8 million adults consume fast food on any given day.2 Now, a recent study revealed that almost 60% of Americans have a pro-inflammatory diet, further increasing the risk of these deadly diseases.3

    Ohio State University researchers used the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine the diets of over 34,500 adults, determining that an inflammatory diet was more prevalent in men, Black Americans, and those with lower incomes. Although produce and unprocessed foods can help reduce inflammation, it may be hard to obtain due to high prices and food deserts in impoverished areas.2

    And inflammation, which can cause periodontitis, is also responsible for aging skin, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. It can impact our mental health as well.3 Thus, our diet is both the culprit and the solution for inflammation in our body; eschewing inflammatory foods can not only help treat disease but also improve oral health.

    For patients with inflammation, anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, leafy vegetables, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and green and black teas can have a lasting effect on their overall health.3 However, patients must also understand coupling healthy habits with unhealthy ones (like regularly consuming red meats or alcohol) will essentially "cancel out" the positive effects of eating anti-inflammatory foods. Encouraging healthy eating is a powerful step toward improving patient health and mitigating the risks associated with inflammation.

    Read more about the connection of inflammation, diet, and periodontitis:

    An orange a day keeps the hygienist away: How vitamin C promotes oral health

    Cocoa beans: Oral health’s friend or foe?

    Inflammation and biofilm: Which comes first?

    References

    1. Wartella EA, Lichtenstein AH, Boon CS. Front-of-package nutrition rating systems and symbols: Phase I report. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2010. doi: 10.17226/12957

    1. Jaecks Swanson K. Can we combat inflammation with food? DenistryIQ. July 2019. https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-hygiene/public-health/article/14035645/can-we-combat-inflammation-with-food

    1. Crane M. Study highlights pervasiveness of inflammation in American diet. Newswise. October 2024. https://www.newswise.com/articles/study-highlights-pervasiveness-of-inflammation-in-american-diet/?sc=dwhr&xy=10053556

    About the Author

    Sarah Butkovic, MA

    Sarah Butkovic, MA, is an Associate Editor at Endeavor Business Media, where she works on creating and editing engaging and informative content for today's leading online dentistry publications. She holds a Master's English Language and Literature from Loyola University Chicago and is passionate about producing high-quality content that educates, inspires, and connects with readers.