Nourishing Your Smile

How does what I eat affect my oral health?

• Decay results when acid products from oral bacteria destroy the hard tissues in the mouth
• Certain foods and food combinations are linked to higher levels of cavity-causing bacteria
• Researchers believe that periodontal disease progresses faster and is more severe in patients whose diets do not supply enough nutrients
• Periodontal disease affects the supporting tissues of the teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss
• Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to many disorders
• People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease
• Research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease

How can I plan my meals and snacks to promote better oral health?

• Eat a well-balanced diet characterized by moderation and variety
• Develop eating habits that follow the recommendations from reputable health organizations such as
• The American Dietetic Association and The National Institutes of Health
• Choose foods from the four basic food groups: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, chicken, fish or beans
• Avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups that usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies
• Keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water. Saliva protects both hard and soft oral tissues
• If you have a dry mouth, supplement your diet with sugarless candy or gum to stimulate saliva
• Foods that cling to your teeth promote tooth decay. Avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods, such as cakes, candy and dried fruits
• Choose dentally healthy foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and sugarless gum or candy
• When you eat fermentable carbohydrates, such as crackers, cookies and chips, eat them as part of your meal, instead of by themselves. Combinations of foods neutralize acids in the mouth and inhibit tooth decay
• Each time you eat, you create an environment for oral bacteria to develop
• Studies show that dental disease is just as related to overeating as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and hypertension

When should I consult my dentist or dietitian about my nutritional status?

• Ask your dentist if you're not sure how your nutrition affects your oral health
• Tooth loss, pain, or joint dysfunction can impair chewing and are often found in elderly people, those on restrictive diets and those who are undergoing medical treatment
• People experiencing these problems may be too isolated or weakened to eat nutritionally balanced meals at a time when it is particularly critical

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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