Effects of a 4‐week free‐sugar avoidance during periodontal therapy: An explorative randomized controlled clinical trial

The current widespread free-sugar consumption is linked to an increasing incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases. Data indicate a relationship between sugar intake and a higher prevalence of periodontitis and increased gingival inflammation. This study showed that free-sugar avoidance after periodontal therapy had additional beneficial effects on periodontal and metabolic parameters in 10 test and 11 control patients. After 4 weeks of avoiding free sugars like sweets, processed white flour, juice, and so forth, periodontal bleeding was significantly reduced in both groups (-40.3% test group, -34% control group). Further regression analysis revealed a significant difference between groups favoring the intervention. Additionally, body weight and visceral fat were significantly reduced in the intervention group, only. To avoid sugar, patients were allowed to replace it with whole fruit, which led to increased levels of micronutrients such as vitamin C. Therefore, free-sugar avoidance may be of therapeutic benefit in addition to periodontal therapy. Further research is needed to investigate this effect in larger cohorts.