A case-control study on the relationship between Periodontitis and adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern, salivary IL-6 and oral impacts on daily performances

Background: Periodontitis, is defined as a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease and the most advanced form of periodontal diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP), level of salivary interleukin (IL)-6, dietary intake, anthropometric indices and periodontitis. Methods: A total of 120 individuals were included in the case-control study (n=60). Dietary intake was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Furthermore, MD adherence was evaluated by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). A full periodontal examination was administered for examining clinical manifestations of periodontitis. Participant’s weight and height were measured and the body mass index was calculated. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence interval] were calculated to evaluate the association between MD adherence, and periodontitis, OIDP and salivary IL-6. Results: Findings indicated that adherence to the MD was significantly lower 1.34 [1.08 to 1.66, p=0.008] among periodontitis individuals. Significant association between vitamin D 0.44 [0.30 to 0.66, p<0.001], fiber 1.02 [1.00 to 1.03, p=0.004], folate 1.00 [1.00 to 1.00, p=0.017], legumes 1.01 [1.00 to 1.02, p=0.001], dairy intake 0.99 [0.99 to 0.99, p=0.027], and OIDP 0.74 [0.63 to 0.85, p<0.001] and periodontitis. Conclusions: The lower adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among periodontitis cases, compared to healthy cases alongside declined OIDP, enhances the important of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis and subsequent adverse effects.