Eating chocolate can help cut the risk of gum disease in half, a Chinese study has found.
Experts suggest that antioxidants found in cocoa beans, especially those found in dark chocolate, may be behind this.
Unsalted cheese and peanuts are also linked to a lower risk, but filtered coffee and low-calorie drinks can increase the risk of gingivitis.
The study, conducted by Chongqing Medical University in China, used data from the UK Biobank, which contains lifestyle and health information for more than 500,000 people aged 40 to 69.
The results found a link between chocolate and cheese and a 54% lower risk of gum disease, while unsalted peanuts were linked to a 71% lower risk of gum disease.
Rice was associated with a 58% lower risk, according to the study, published in the journal Frontiers In Genetics.
According to the results, filtered coffee increased the risk by 42%, while the risk was 57% for low-calorie drinks, with additives in these drinks thought to be a contributing factor.
In fact, several previous studies have linked gum disease to worrisome and life-threatening medical conditions, such as heart attack or other cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and stroke.
Some of the main signs of gum disease include:
- Bad breath that does not go away even after brushing your teeth
- Having a bad taste in the mouth
Redness and swelling of the gums
- Frequent bleeding gums for simple reasons, such as brushing teeth.
- Excessive salivation