Hello and welcome to the Nutrition Facts Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Michael Greger.

Now I know I've made a name for myself and explaining how not to do certain things.

Just look at my books. How not to die in my upcoming book, How Not to Diet.

But what I want to share with you is actually quite positive.

What's the best way to live a healthy life? Here are some answers.

Today we find out how plant-based diets may help prevent oral disease such as gum disease.

First up, an overview. Two studies were recently published on plant-based diets and oral health.

What do you think they found? Well, for peridontal disease, affecting the tissue surrounding the teeth,

like gingivitis, gum disease, or when 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 peridontal disease. We know saturated fats, producing inflammatory response.

And so no surprise, this recent study found that high dietary saturated fat intake was

significantly associated with a greater number of peridontal 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 peridontitis.

Bad cholesterol levels may be a risk factor for both. People with peridontal 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 peridontitis 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 peridontal disease? A new

study found that higher intake of high fiber foods, especially fruits, may at least help slow

peridontal disease progression. For oral cancer, it's a no-brainer. According to the latest

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