Association between the Mediterranean Diet Index and self-reported Gingival Health Status Indicators in a population of Chilean adults

Background: Despite the recognized impact of diet on non-communicable diseases, there is uncertainty regarding the association between the Mediterranean diet and periodontal diseases. This study aimed to determine the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Index (MDI) and self-reported gingival health status in Chilean adults, exploring the feasibility of using validated web-based survey questionnaires. Methodology: We collected cross-sectional data from a representative sample of a population of Chilean adults (18-60 years) using a low-cost and time-saving methodology. Through the PsyToolkit platform, anonymous survey data were downloaded and analyzed in bivariate (crude) and backward stepwise selection multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic determinants, smoking, and dental attendance using STATA 17. Odds ratios (OR) [95% confidence intervals] were calculated. Results: A total of 351 complete statistical data were mostly obtained from female university students who had never smoked and reported having visited a dentist in the last year. Multivariate regression models showed an association between MDI and very good/good gingival health status (OR 1.18 [95% CI 1.04-1.34], p=0.013), absence of bleeding on toothbrushing (OR 1.12 [95% CI 1.01-1.25], p=0.035), and absence of clinical signs of gingival inflammation (OR 1.24 [95% CI 1.10-1.40], p<0.001), after controlling for age, sex, educational level, smoking, and dental attendance. Conclusions: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with better self-reported gingival health status in a population of Chilean adults in an entirely web-based research environment. Longitudinal studies with random sampling are required to establish the effect of diet on gingival and periodontal health. Nevertheless, this evidence could contribute to the design of low-cost surveillance programs to reduce the burden of periodontal disease and related “common risk factors”.