RESULTS OF A NEW SCIENTIFIC STUDY
How Fasting Can Boost Dental Health
Our latest study explores the connection between long-term fasting and oral health. Imagine you are mid-fast, feeling refreshed and revitalized, when suddenly someone hints that your breath is not as fresh as you had hoped. While bad breath might seem like an inevitable part of fasting, our recent findings reveal a deeper story. Not only does fasting help reduce inflammation in your gums, potentially lowering the risk of periodontitis, it also optimizes your oral microbiota, improving your dental health in ways that can last long after the fast is over.
The study in detail
The scientific department of Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic, in collaboration with the team of Prof. Catherine Giannopoulou at the University of Geneva, has published a groundbreaking study on fasting and oral health. We have long observed that some people who fast develop noticeably bad breath. At the same time, inflammation of the gums often decreases during fasting. In 2021, the scientific department of Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting clinics hosted a team of dentists for two months. Together, we carried out the study involving 36 patients who fasted for 10±3 days and agreed to visit the dentist regularly during their stay at the clinic for advanced laboratory analyses.
Fasting decreases inflammation of the gums
Prof. Giannopoulou and her team contacted us as part of their ongoing research on treatments for periodontitis — a serious gum disease that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to systemic health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Managing this inflammation is crucial, and while medications can help, they often have side effects. This is where non-pharmacological approaches, like dietary changes and fasting, become invaluable.
The idea was compelling: Fasting triggers various changes in the body, including metabolic shifts and enhanced cellular repair, which reduce systemic inflammation. The study confirmed this hypothesis, showing that patients who completed the fast experienced a significant reduction in gum inflammation. This suggests that fasting may not only benefit metabolic health but could also serve as a preventive measure against gum disease, potentially lowering the risk of tooth loss and associated health conditions.
Fasting optimizes oral microbiota
We often talk about our gut microbiota, but did you know that our mouths host billions of microbes too? The oral microbiota, which includes bacteria, fungi, and viruses, plays a critical role in maintaining oral health. An imbalance can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even affect your overall health. Saliva microbiota analyses from our study revealed significant changes, including a decrease in harmful bacteria like Porphyromonas, known for causing oral diseases. Some of these changes persisted for up to three months after fasting, suggesting that the benefits may extend well beyond the fasting period itself. Fasting can impact oral health by temporarily eliminating food intake, which gives the oral cavity a chance to recover — much as it gives the intestines a digestive rest.
Bad breath during fasting
A familiar concern in connection with fasting is that it sometimes leads to bad breath. We have also experienced this phenomenon at Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic and noted it in our previous research. Contrary to common belief, the odour is not caused by ketone bodies, but by sulphurous compounds that are produced during bacterial fermentation and possibly originate in the intestines. These compounds are responsible for the more pungent, sometimes sulphur-like smell associated with fasting-related halitosis.
Oral care tips for patients
To support your oral microbiome during fasting, our doctors recommend the following:
- Oil pulling with sunflower seed oil: Swish a tablespoon of sunflower oil around your mouth for 10–15 minutes to reduce bacterial presence and improve oral hygiene.
- Use a tongue scraper: This simple tool helps remove bacteria and debris from the tongue, reducing bad breath and promoting a healthier oral environment.
- Choose an ecological toothpaste: Opt for natural, eco-friendly toothpastes without harsh chemicals to protect your oral microbiome.
- Hydration and gentle rinsing: Drinking water regularly and rinsing your mouth with water helps keep it moist and flushes away bacteria.
Note: Avoid using mouthwash products as they can destroy the delicate balance of your microbiota!
Conclusion
By reducing gum inflammation and optimising the oral microbiota, our study highlights how fasting can potentially prevent periodontitis and related health issues. This research suggests that fasting can be a comprehensive investment in both your overall and dental health, helping you maintain a healthier smile as you age.
“Who knew that skipping meals could be a secret weapon to help you keep your teeth as you age? It turns out that giving your body a break is the gift that keeps on giving!”
Dr. Robin Mesnage, Scientific Director
Quelle: Loumé, A.; Grundler, F.; Wilhelmi de Toledo, F.; Giannopoulou, C.; Mesnage, R.: Impact of Long-term Fasting on Breath Volatile Sulphur Compounds, Inflammatory Markers, and Saliva Microbiota Composition. In: Oral Health Prev Dent. 22/2024:525–540. Veröffentlicht 24.10.2024; doi:10.3290/j.ohpd.b5795653
