Free Sugar Intake and Periodontal Diseases: A Systematic Review

Abstract

High free sugar intake is associated with an increased risk of various non-communicable diseases. We aimed to systematically review articles investigating the association between free sugar intake and periodontal diseases. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022337828). We obtained articles from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus in April 2022. The study selection was performed according to predefined eligibility criteria based on the following PECOS: (P) general population, (E/C) free-sugar-containing food/beverage intake, (O) clinically measured periodontal diseases, and (S) observational study and clinical trial. Of the 839 screened records, 13 studies were included in the review. Most studies (n = 12) had a cross-sectional design. The age groups in the included studies were children/adolescents (n = 5) and adults (n = 8). Among the included studies, 11 reported a significant association between the frequent intake of free-sugar-containing food or beverages and a higher prevalence or incidence of periodontal diseases. The quality of most of the included studies was scored “fair” based on the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Although the majority of the included studies reported a significant positive association between high free sugar intake and periodontal diseases, the evidence is considered to be limited due to the study designs.

Unraveling the Link Between Periodontal Disease and High Cholesterol: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…High sugar intake is associated with dyslipidemia and can also influence the development of gum disease. Diets high in sugar have been shown to increase cholesterol levels and contribute to gum inflammation and disease progression [ 25 ]. The dietary intake of cholesterol could impact both cholesterol levels in the body and the risk of gum disease.…”

Association between an Anti-Inflammatory Dietary Score and Periodontitis—Evidence from the Population-Based Hamburg City Health Study

“…Regular consumption of these drinks has been associated with increased biomarkers of inflammation [ 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 ] and has been studied in association with a variety of diseases [ 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 ]. Sugar sweetened carbonated drinks, which often are consumed between meals without rinsing or tooth brushing afterwards, have been associated with increased risk of periodontal disease [ 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 ] as well as dental caries and tooth erosion [ 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 ]. The consumption of processed meat, fried foods, and sugar sweetened carbonated drinks is very common in the Western diet [ 60 ] that is highly prevalent in Germany [ 87 , 88 ].…”

The Relationship between Dietary Habits and Periodontal Pathogens in a Sample of Romanian Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Notably, a sugar-rich diet escalates the risk of developing periodontal disease in both teenagers [13,27] and children [28]. An elevated sugar intake perpetuates a prolonged hyperglycemic state, escalating systemic inflammation and the susceptibility to periodontal disease [29]. Moreover, sugar consumption can alter the diversity of the oral microbiome and contribute to the development of periodontal pathogens [29].…”

“…An elevated sugar intake perpetuates a prolonged hyperglycemic state, escalating systemic inflammation and the susceptibility to periodontal disease [29]. Moreover, sugar consumption can alter the diversity of the oral microbiome and contribute to the development of periodontal pathogens [29]. It is widely observed that children and adolescents globally surpass current recommendations in sugar consumption [30].…”