 Two studies were recently published on plant-based diets and oral health. What do you think they found? Well, for periodontal disease, affecting the tissue surrounding the teeth, like gingivitis, gum disease, one of the leading causes of tooth loss, plant-based diets should be protective. After all, inflammation is now recognized as one of the key underlying causal factors in periodontal disease, and we know saturated fats produce an inflammatory response, and so no surprise this recent study found that high dietary saturated fat intake was significantly associated with a greater number of periodontal disease events. Saturated fat, which comes primarily in the American diet from basically dairy, donuts, and chicken. The same diet that leads to high cholesterol may also contribute to periodontitis, as bad cholesterol levels may be a risk factor for both. People with periodontal disease also suffered from arterial dysfunction. Wait a second, inflammation, high cholesterol, and arterial dysfunction? Is it any wonder there may be an association between chronic periodontitis and erectile dysfunction? By looking in your mouth, your dentist may learn more about you than you realize. We know we can reverse impotence for the plant-based diet. What about periodontal disease? A new study found that higher intake of high-fiber foods, especially fruits, may at least help slow periodontal disease progression. For oral cancer, it's a no-brainer. According to the latest review in the Journal of the American Dental Association, evidence supports a recommendation of a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables as part of a whole foods plant-based diet.