Nutrition and Oral Health
Content
Nutrition and Oral Health
What is Nutrition
Nutrition can be termed as the procedure wherein one nourishes oneself with the intake of nutrients in the form of food. The principal motive for such a process is that it is essential for growth and development of the body. It is also crucial in thesubstitution of tissues.[1]
The field of study or science of nourishment through food is also called Nutrition. It deals with the study of nutrients needed to be used by an individual from his surroundings to lead a healthy life and be able to bear offspring.[ 1]
What is Oral health
"Oral health is a standard of the oral and related tissue s which enables an individual to eat, speak and socialise without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment and which contributes to general well -being" (World Health Organisation 1982.) [2] Few people die of dental disease, however, the cost of treating it exceeds the cost of treating all cancers and heart disease. It is the NHS' largest expenditure after accidents and schizoph renia.[2] The social cost is significant also, with a quarter of the adult population reporting dental pain in any one year. [2]
Link between Nutrition and Oral Health
How does the mouth relate to good health? The mouth is the entry point for food and the beginning of the gastrointestinal tract. The ability to chew and swallow is a critical function required to obtain essential nutrients for the body, the building blocks of good health. The links between oral health and nutrition are many. Thus, oral health plays an integral role in assuring adequate nutritional status.[4] Interestingly, oral health and nutrition share an interdependent and sometimes antagonistic relationship. By pro moting healthy development and maintenance of the mouth's tissues and natural protective mechanisms, good nutrition promotes good oral health. In contrast, certain foods can cause plaque development increasing the risk for oral disease. How the foods are eaten can stimulate saliva flow, reducing the risk. The interactions are complex, with food and nutrition having the potential for both positive and negative effects on oral health. [4] In addition, the mouth serves as a window for the skilled dental practitioner to view overall health status. The regular dental examination makes it possible for your dentist to check for gum disease as well as precancerous or cancerous lesions. More sophisticated screening mechanisms can produce early warnings of stroke by displaying calcifications in the corotid artery, or chemotherap y-induced weakening of the jaw.[4] Taking care the mouth is an important step on the road to good health. Good eating habits, regular
brushing, flossing and fluoride are all part of maintaining good health. [4]
The Best Foods for a Healthy Mouth
If it¶s true you are what you eat, then it's particularly true for your teeth and gums. Although some foods invite tooth decay, others help combat plaque buildup. And don¶t forget about vitamins and minerals that are good for your entire body. Some are especially important for healthy teeth.[7]
The Good Guys in Fighting Tooth Decay
Enlist these healthy foods to get rid of cavity-causing plaque:
y
Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables1 : "Foods with fiber stimulate saliva flow, which, next to good home dental care, is your best natural defense against cavities," said Richard H. Price, D.M.D., a consumer spokesman for the American Dental Association. About 20 minutes after you eat something containing sugars or starches, saliva begins to neutralize the acids and enzymes attacking your teeth.[7]
y
Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products : The calcium in cheese and the calcium and phosphates in milk and other dairy products help put back minerals your teeth might have lost due to other foods.[7]
1
y
Sugarless chewing gum: Another great saliva generator that removes food particles from your mouth is sugar-free gum.[7]
y
Water: A moist mouth is a healthier mouth. Not only does water promote saliva production, it also washes away acids that can erode tooth enamel. Acid is found in carbonated beverages as well as foods with tomatoes including pizza, soup, and pasta sauce.[7]
y
Lean red meat: Everything from burger to steak contains the important mineral iron. A deficiency in this mineral can lead to sores on the inside of your mouth and an inflamed tongue. Some nuts and cereals also contain iron.[7]
y
Chicken and fish: If you have bad breath and sores in your mouth, you may not be getting enough niacin (vitamin B3 ).[7]
Nutrition and dental health go hand in hand
Though brushing your teeth, flossing and regular visits to the dentist are all effective ways to prevent cavities, a healthy mouth also requires a balanced diet. For example, vegetables and fruits provide nutrients for your gums, such as vitamins A and C. The continuous supply of calcium and other bone building nutrients that you get from your 2 recommended daily servings of Milk -4 products and Alternatives according to your age group protect your tooth enamel and help prevent bone loss, which may also lead to tooth loss if it affects the jawbone.[8]
Cheese: An important ally
Many studies have shown that eating cheese helps prevent cavities. This works several ways. First, some of the calcium and phosphorus found in cheese infiltrate the layer of plaque s urrounding your teeth to remineralize tooth enamel and prevent erosion. Then, cheese stimulates saliva production to help clear away food particles. Finally, its protein and fat protect teeth from cavity-causing acids created as carbohydrates ferment. So enjoy dishes made with cheese and nibble on some after meals or as a snack. It will help take the bite out of your visits to the dentist![8]
Snacks that promote oral health
Both nutritious and tooth-friendly, high-protein foods such as cheese, milk, yogourt, nuts, eggs, meat, poultry and fish, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables make the best snacks. Another tasty tip: drinking a glass of milk along with your sweets can actually reduce the cavity promoting potential of sugar - one more reason to have milk with your cookies![8]
What about chocolate milk?
Chocolate milk doesn't promote cavities. Why not? Being a liquid, its sugar doesn't stay in the mouth long or cling to your teeth. Also, both cocoa and several nutrients in milk help protect against cavities, offsetting the effect of chocolate milk's sugar content.[8]
Foods to eat in moderation
All forms of sugar can promote cavities - including the natural fruit sugars used as sweeteners and the complex sugars (starches) found in foods such as potato chips and crackers. And, the sugar and starch combination found in sweet baked goods like doughnuts, muffins and cookies can be worse than sugar alone. Why? It tends to stick to teeth longer, so beware! [8] In addition, if you are fond of acidic foods such as pickles, citrus fruits, citrus juices, and colas (sugar-free and regular) - watch out! Too many of these foods on a regular basis can erode tooth enamel and make your teeth more cavity-prone. Sour candies are a double whammy - sugar and acid together.[8]
Pregnancy, Sugar and Oral Health
A glazed doughnut or a wedge of apple pie might be what we choose for a mid-morning munch. Unfortunately, these snacks contain refined sugar that is not only bad for your teeth and gums, but also for your pregnancy. Sugar, sometimes disguised as sucrose, dextrose, or glucose, provides empty calories, adds weight, and can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. We Americans eat entirely too much sugar -- almost 7 tablespoons per person per day. Depending on whoâ¼ doing s the research, that could be anywhere from 64 to 150 pounds per year. These â¼ emptyâ¼ spoonfuls contribute no nutrition or fiber and crowd out nutritious fare from your diet. [9] In the presence of certain bacteria in the mouth, sugar leads to the production of toxic bacterial byproducts that are very acidic. These toxins, if allowed to sit on the enamel of your teeth, cause caries (cavities). If not removed properly from along the gum line and in between the teeth, they irritate the gums and will ultimately erode the supporting bone that anchors the teeth in the mouth. A motherto-be is more susceptible to dental problems due to the excessive hormones circulating in her system. According to the Surgeon Generalâ¼s report in 2000, â¼ toxins or other products generated by periodontal (around the teeth) bacteria in the mother may reach the general circulation, cross the placenta, and harm the fetus.â¼ Pregnant women with severe gum infections are seven times more prone to having a baby that is premature. Prevention and early diagnosis of dental decay and gingivitis (swollen, tender gums) are important for your health as well as your babyâ¼s. [9] So, what can you do about assuring good nutrition and oral health during pregnancy? Here are three tips from my book, Pregnancy and Oral Health that will make a difference right away: Healthy Snack Alternatives [9] Here is a list of healthy snack ideas to replace those quick, convenient, sugary ones that contribute to dental decay: * Yogurt with fresh fruit * Unprocessed cheese * Brown Rice, whole grain bagels, whole wheat toast, or bran muffins with cream cheese, peanut butter, or fruit spread * Homemade frozen popsicles, using one 6oz. can frozen concentrated juice mixed with a small container (6-8 oz) of plain yogurt. I used to give these to my son when he was teething. They were yummy for both of us! * Baked apples or other baked or stewed fruit * Fresh fruit (Choose from a range of colors to ensure variety of nutrients and vitamins) * Fruit smoothies, homemade, using yogurt and banana as your base. Add other fruit and flavorings with ice to make a delicious drink * Unsweetened whole grain cereals with yogurt and fresh fruit. * Nuts and seeds. * Celery with peanut butter (my personal favorite).
* Raw carrot sticks, cucumber slices, green pepper wedges -- or any fresh vegetables, for that matter. Serve with a dip made from ground garbanzo beans (hummus), yogurt, sour cream, or cottage cheese with herbs. When you indulge: [9] When you do indulge in a sugary treat, it is better to do it all in one sitting rather than to sip on a soda or take tiny bites of sweet things all day long. (One soda has on the average of 12 teaspoons of sugar). Eating tiny bursts of sweets throughout your day is more injurious to your oral health since every time you introduce sugar into your mouth, the bacteria are nourished for about 20 minutes. Brushing or swishing: [9] Brush as quickly as possible after eating or drinking anything with a high content of sugar. If that is not possible, I recommend taking a swig of water, swishing it around your mouth and swallowing. By keeping these residues at a very low level, you reduce the nutrients that many plaque-forming bacteria depend on for their growth and survival.
Anyone who has oral health problems often has pain or difficulty chewing. Anyone with chewing difficulties is less likely to eat balanced diets. This can result in poor nutrition and negatively affect mission readiness. Poor nutrition can cause a breakdown in your oral health:
y y y
Decreased intake of vitamins and minerals can lead to mouth sores, breakdown of your gums and oral cancer. A diet that is high in starch or sugar promotes tooth decay. Poor diet affects how well your immune system functions. It affects your ability to resist bacteria that cause gum disease.
Eat foods that provide the vitamins and minerals needed for good oral health. [10]
Vitamin Vitamin A (carotene)
Found in these foods </ Broccoli, brussell sprouts, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard greens, kale, etc.) Vitamin C Prevents soft, bleeding gums, and Citrus fruits, cantaloupe, (Ascorbic loose teeth Prevents oral cancer strawberries, green leafy vegetables, Acid) bell peppers Vitamin D Promotes strong teeth and jaw bones Oily fish, milk, eggs, cereals, sunshine Vitamin E Prevents growth of thick white Vegetable oil, nuts, peanut butter, patches in the mouth (leukoplakia ). wheat germ Prevents oral cancer B2, Niacin, Prevents soreness, redness and Salmon, beef, liver, chicken, fish, B6, B12 bleeding of the gums, cracking and yogurt, nuts and beans sores in the corners of the mouth Folic Acid Breakfast cereals, spinach, navy and on the tongue beans, orange juice, pasta, rice Calcium Needed for tooth development, Milk, cheese, yogurt, seafood, dark Phosphorous prevents loss of jaw bone and teeth, green leafy vegetables
How it affects your mouth </ Prevents dry mouth and oral cancer
Magnesium Fluoride Zinc Iodine Copper Iron
rebuilds hard surface of th e teeth (enamel) Prevents tooth decay, helps repair enamel Needed for digestion, healing cold and canker sores Needed for tooth development Absorbs iron. Helps produce blood and nerve fibers Protects against oral cancer and helps the immune system Needed for nerve function and muscle contractions
Fluoridated water, black tea, sardines Liver, various meats, eggs, seafood, whole-grain cereals Iodized salt, seafood, kelp, saltwater fish Liver, kidney, seafood, nuts, seeds, tap water Liver, eggs, fish, seafood, various other meats, enriched breads & cereals, green leafy vegetables Vegetables, legumes, fruits, milk, cheese, various meats, whole grains
Potassium
Keep your mouth healthy so you can eat nutritious foods. Choose the right foods to protect or improve your oral health. [10]
Nutrition
Balanced Nutrition
Imbalanced Nutrition
UnderNutrition
OverNutrition
Undernutrition and Oral Health
Although oral diseases associated with vitamin deficiencies are rare in the United States and other industrialized countries, they may be common in emerging "third-world" nations. In these countries, the limited supply of nutrient-dense foods or the lack of specific nutrients in the diet (vitamin C,
niacin , etc.) may produce characteristic oral manifestations. In addition,
unusual food practices, such as chewing sugar cane throughout the day or other regional or cultural nutritional practices, may decrease the oral health of specific populations. [5] Vitamin-deficiency diseases may produce characteristic signs and symptoms in the oral cavity (mouth). For example, in a typical B -vitamin deficiency, a person may complain that the tongue is red and swollen and "burns" ( glossitis ), that changes in taste have occurred, and that cracks have appeared on the lips and at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilosis). In a vitamin C deficiency, petechiae (small, hemorrhaging red spots) may appear in the oral cavity, as well as on other parts of the body, especially after pressure has been exerted on the tissue. In addition, the gums may bleed upon probing with a dental instrument. [5] In humans, calcium deficiency rarely, if ever, causes the production of hypoplastic enamel (poorly mineralized enamel) similar to the osteoporosis produced in bone. Teeth appear to have a biological priority over bone when calcium is limited in the diet.[ 5] Oral health problems associated with nutritional deficiencies occur not only in populations with a limited food supply. Individuals whose chewing and swallowing abilities have been compromised by oral cancer , radiation treatment, or AIDS may also exhibit signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies. [5]
Overnutrition and Oral Health
The proliferation of foods high in calories , fat , sugar, and salt, and low in nutritional content²such as that found in fast-food restaurants and vending machines²has created a "toxic" food environment in many industrialized countries, and this has had an important impact on oral health. Oral bacteria have the ability to synthesize the acids that dissolve tooth enamel from many different types of foods, not just sugar. Frequency of eating is a major factor related to poor oral health in infants, as well as children and adults. Baby bottle tooth decay, also called nursing bottle caries, is a term that refers to the caries formed when an infant is routinely put to sleep with a bottle. Breastfeeding caries is a condition associated with the constant exposure of an infant's oral environment to breast milk, while pacifier caries occurs when a pacifier is dipped in honey prior to inserting the pacifier into an infant's mouth. [5] Both childhood and adult obesity are on the rise, and they have reached epidemic proportions in some countries. Obesity is traditionally associated with increased rates of non-insulin-dependent diabetes; elevations in blood pressure ; and elevated serum glucose, blood cholesterol , and triglycerides (blood fat)²but it is also associated with decreased oral health status. For example, the number of servings of fruit juice and soft drinks ingested each
Oral diseases like gingivitis (left) and periodontitis (right) may result from overnutrition. When food consumption is excessive, or when the foods consumed are frequently sugary or acidic, the enamel on teeth can dissolve and gums can be infected.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned parents on the overuse of fruit juices in children's diets. Although diet soft drinks do not contain sugar, they do contain both carbonic and phosphoric acids and can directly destroy tooth enamel, particularly if the teeth are periodically exposed to a diet drink throughout the day. The direct demineralization of tooth enamel by regular and diet soft drinks has similarities to the demineralization of tooth enamel common in anorexia nervosa, in which forced regurgitation of food exposes lingual tooth surfaces (the side of the tooth facing the tongue) to stomach acids. In the case of enamel erosion produced by soft drinks and juices, effects are usually seen on all the tooth surfaces. [5]
References:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. http://www.blurtit.com/q587885.html http://www.esbhhealth.nhs.uk/publications/public_health/oral.asp http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/SurgeonGeneral/sgr/tables/table54.htm http://www.afic.org/Nutrition%20and%20Oral%20Health%20Making%20the%20Connection. htm http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Ome-Pop/Oral-Health.html http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/Adult/Nutrition/22,21457 http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Ome-Pop/Oral-Health.html http://www.beyondfertility.com/art230.htm http://toothsmarts.com/content.aspx?id=74&catID=3
What is Nutrition
Nutrition can be termed as the procedure wherein one nourishes oneself with the intake of nutrients in the form of food. The principal motive for such a process is that it is essential for growth and development of the body. It is also crucial in thesubstitution of tissues.[1]
The field of study or science of nourishment through food is also called Nutrition. It deals with the study of nutrients needed to be used by an individual from his surroundings to lead a healthy life and be able to bear offspring.[ 1]
What is Oral health
"Oral health is a standard of the oral and related tissue s which enables an individual to eat, speak and socialise without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment and which contributes to general well -being" (World Health Organisation 1982.) [2] Few people die of dental disease, however, the cost of treating it exceeds the cost of treating all cancers and heart disease. It is the NHS' largest expenditure after accidents and schizoph renia.[2] The social cost is significant also, with a quarter of the adult population reporting dental pain in any one year. [2]
Link between Nutrition and Oral Health
How does the mouth relate to good health? The mouth is the entry point for food and the beginning of the gastrointestinal tract. The ability to chew and swallow is a critical function required to obtain essential nutrients for the body, the building blocks of good health. The links between oral health and nutrition are many. Thus, oral health plays an integral role in assuring adequate nutritional status.[4] Interestingly, oral health and nutrition share an interdependent and sometimes antagonistic relationship. By pro moting healthy development and maintenance of the mouth's tissues and natural protective mechanisms, good nutrition promotes good oral health. In contrast, certain foods can cause plaque development increasing the risk for oral disease. How the foods are eaten can stimulate saliva flow, reducing the risk. The interactions are complex, with food and nutrition having the potential for both positive and negative effects on oral health. [4] In addition, the mouth serves as a window for the skilled dental practitioner to view overall health status. The regular dental examination makes it possible for your dentist to check for gum disease as well as precancerous or cancerous lesions. More sophisticated screening mechanisms can produce early warnings of stroke by displaying calcifications in the corotid artery, or chemotherap y-induced weakening of the jaw.[4] Taking care the mouth is an important step on the road to good health. Good eating habits, regular
brushing, flossing and fluoride are all part of maintaining good health. [4]
The Best Foods for a Healthy Mouth
If it¶s true you are what you eat, then it's particularly true for your teeth and gums. Although some foods invite tooth decay, others help combat plaque buildup. And don¶t forget about vitamins and minerals that are good for your entire body. Some are especially important for healthy teeth.[7]
The Good Guys in Fighting Tooth Decay
Enlist these healthy foods to get rid of cavity-causing plaque:
y
Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables1 : "Foods with fiber stimulate saliva flow, which, next to good home dental care, is your best natural defense against cavities," said Richard H. Price, D.M.D., a consumer spokesman for the American Dental Association. About 20 minutes after you eat something containing sugars or starches, saliva begins to neutralize the acids and enzymes attacking your teeth.[7]
y
Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products : The calcium in cheese and the calcium and phosphates in milk and other dairy products help put back minerals your teeth might have lost due to other foods.[7]
1
y
Sugarless chewing gum: Another great saliva generator that removes food particles from your mouth is sugar-free gum.[7]
y
Water: A moist mouth is a healthier mouth. Not only does water promote saliva production, it also washes away acids that can erode tooth enamel. Acid is found in carbonated beverages as well as foods with tomatoes including pizza, soup, and pasta sauce.[7]
y
Lean red meat: Everything from burger to steak contains the important mineral iron. A deficiency in this mineral can lead to sores on the inside of your mouth and an inflamed tongue. Some nuts and cereals also contain iron.[7]
y
Chicken and fish: If you have bad breath and sores in your mouth, you may not be getting enough niacin (vitamin B3 ).[7]
Nutrition and dental health go hand in hand
Though brushing your teeth, flossing and regular visits to the dentist are all effective ways to prevent cavities, a healthy mouth also requires a balanced diet. For example, vegetables and fruits provide nutrients for your gums, such as vitamins A and C. The continuous supply of calcium and other bone building nutrients that you get from your 2 recommended daily servings of Milk -4 products and Alternatives according to your age group protect your tooth enamel and help prevent bone loss, which may also lead to tooth loss if it affects the jawbone.[8]
Cheese: An important ally
Many studies have shown that eating cheese helps prevent cavities. This works several ways. First, some of the calcium and phosphorus found in cheese infiltrate the layer of plaque s urrounding your teeth to remineralize tooth enamel and prevent erosion. Then, cheese stimulates saliva production to help clear away food particles. Finally, its protein and fat protect teeth from cavity-causing acids created as carbohydrates ferment. So enjoy dishes made with cheese and nibble on some after meals or as a snack. It will help take the bite out of your visits to the dentist![8]
Snacks that promote oral health
Both nutritious and tooth-friendly, high-protein foods such as cheese, milk, yogourt, nuts, eggs, meat, poultry and fish, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables make the best snacks. Another tasty tip: drinking a glass of milk along with your sweets can actually reduce the cavity promoting potential of sugar - one more reason to have milk with your cookies![8]
What about chocolate milk?
Chocolate milk doesn't promote cavities. Why not? Being a liquid, its sugar doesn't stay in the mouth long or cling to your teeth. Also, both cocoa and several nutrients in milk help protect against cavities, offsetting the effect of chocolate milk's sugar content.[8]
Foods to eat in moderation
All forms of sugar can promote cavities - including the natural fruit sugars used as sweeteners and the complex sugars (starches) found in foods such as potato chips and crackers. And, the sugar and starch combination found in sweet baked goods like doughnuts, muffins and cookies can be worse than sugar alone. Why? It tends to stick to teeth longer, so beware! [8] In addition, if you are fond of acidic foods such as pickles, citrus fruits, citrus juices, and colas (sugar-free and regular) - watch out! Too many of these foods on a regular basis can erode tooth enamel and make your teeth more cavity-prone. Sour candies are a double whammy - sugar and acid together.[8]
Pregnancy, Sugar and Oral Health
A glazed doughnut or a wedge of apple pie might be what we choose for a mid-morning munch. Unfortunately, these snacks contain refined sugar that is not only bad for your teeth and gums, but also for your pregnancy. Sugar, sometimes disguised as sucrose, dextrose, or glucose, provides empty calories, adds weight, and can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. We Americans eat entirely too much sugar -- almost 7 tablespoons per person per day. Depending on whoâ¼ doing s the research, that could be anywhere from 64 to 150 pounds per year. These â¼ emptyâ¼ spoonfuls contribute no nutrition or fiber and crowd out nutritious fare from your diet. [9] In the presence of certain bacteria in the mouth, sugar leads to the production of toxic bacterial byproducts that are very acidic. These toxins, if allowed to sit on the enamel of your teeth, cause caries (cavities). If not removed properly from along the gum line and in between the teeth, they irritate the gums and will ultimately erode the supporting bone that anchors the teeth in the mouth. A motherto-be is more susceptible to dental problems due to the excessive hormones circulating in her system. According to the Surgeon Generalâ¼s report in 2000, â¼ toxins or other products generated by periodontal (around the teeth) bacteria in the mother may reach the general circulation, cross the placenta, and harm the fetus.â¼ Pregnant women with severe gum infections are seven times more prone to having a baby that is premature. Prevention and early diagnosis of dental decay and gingivitis (swollen, tender gums) are important for your health as well as your babyâ¼s. [9] So, what can you do about assuring good nutrition and oral health during pregnancy? Here are three tips from my book, Pregnancy and Oral Health that will make a difference right away: Healthy Snack Alternatives [9] Here is a list of healthy snack ideas to replace those quick, convenient, sugary ones that contribute to dental decay: * Yogurt with fresh fruit * Unprocessed cheese * Brown Rice, whole grain bagels, whole wheat toast, or bran muffins with cream cheese, peanut butter, or fruit spread * Homemade frozen popsicles, using one 6oz. can frozen concentrated juice mixed with a small container (6-8 oz) of plain yogurt. I used to give these to my son when he was teething. They were yummy for both of us! * Baked apples or other baked or stewed fruit * Fresh fruit (Choose from a range of colors to ensure variety of nutrients and vitamins) * Fruit smoothies, homemade, using yogurt and banana as your base. Add other fruit and flavorings with ice to make a delicious drink * Unsweetened whole grain cereals with yogurt and fresh fruit. * Nuts and seeds. * Celery with peanut butter (my personal favorite).
* Raw carrot sticks, cucumber slices, green pepper wedges -- or any fresh vegetables, for that matter. Serve with a dip made from ground garbanzo beans (hummus), yogurt, sour cream, or cottage cheese with herbs. When you indulge: [9] When you do indulge in a sugary treat, it is better to do it all in one sitting rather than to sip on a soda or take tiny bites of sweet things all day long. (One soda has on the average of 12 teaspoons of sugar). Eating tiny bursts of sweets throughout your day is more injurious to your oral health since every time you introduce sugar into your mouth, the bacteria are nourished for about 20 minutes. Brushing or swishing: [9] Brush as quickly as possible after eating or drinking anything with a high content of sugar. If that is not possible, I recommend taking a swig of water, swishing it around your mouth and swallowing. By keeping these residues at a very low level, you reduce the nutrients that many plaque-forming bacteria depend on for their growth and survival.
Anyone who has oral health problems often has pain or difficulty chewing. Anyone with chewing difficulties is less likely to eat balanced diets. This can result in poor nutrition and negatively affect mission readiness. Poor nutrition can cause a breakdown in your oral health:
y y y
Decreased intake of vitamins and minerals can lead to mouth sores, breakdown of your gums and oral cancer. A diet that is high in starch or sugar promotes tooth decay. Poor diet affects how well your immune system functions. It affects your ability to resist bacteria that cause gum disease.
Eat foods that provide the vitamins and minerals needed for good oral health. [10]
Vitamin Vitamin A (carotene)
Found in these foods </ Broccoli, brussell sprouts, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard greens, kale, etc.) Vitamin C Prevents soft, bleeding gums, and Citrus fruits, cantaloupe, (Ascorbic loose teeth Prevents oral cancer strawberries, green leafy vegetables, Acid) bell peppers Vitamin D Promotes strong teeth and jaw bones Oily fish, milk, eggs, cereals, sunshine Vitamin E Prevents growth of thick white Vegetable oil, nuts, peanut butter, patches in the mouth (leukoplakia ). wheat germ Prevents oral cancer B2, Niacin, Prevents soreness, redness and Salmon, beef, liver, chicken, fish, B6, B12 bleeding of the gums, cracking and yogurt, nuts and beans sores in the corners of the mouth Folic Acid Breakfast cereals, spinach, navy and on the tongue beans, orange juice, pasta, rice Calcium Needed for tooth development, Milk, cheese, yogurt, seafood, dark Phosphorous prevents loss of jaw bone and teeth, green leafy vegetables
How it affects your mouth </ Prevents dry mouth and oral cancer
Magnesium Fluoride Zinc Iodine Copper Iron
rebuilds hard surface of th e teeth (enamel) Prevents tooth decay, helps repair enamel Needed for digestion, healing cold and canker sores Needed for tooth development Absorbs iron. Helps produce blood and nerve fibers Protects against oral cancer and helps the immune system Needed for nerve function and muscle contractions
Fluoridated water, black tea, sardines Liver, various meats, eggs, seafood, whole-grain cereals Iodized salt, seafood, kelp, saltwater fish Liver, kidney, seafood, nuts, seeds, tap water Liver, eggs, fish, seafood, various other meats, enriched breads & cereals, green leafy vegetables Vegetables, legumes, fruits, milk, cheese, various meats, whole grains
Potassium
Keep your mouth healthy so you can eat nutritious foods. Choose the right foods to protect or improve your oral health. [10]
Nutrition
Balanced Nutrition
Imbalanced Nutrition
UnderNutrition
OverNutrition
Undernutrition and Oral Health
Although oral diseases associated with vitamin deficiencies are rare in the United States and other industrialized countries, they may be common in emerging "third-world" nations. In these countries, the limited supply of nutrient-dense foods or the lack of specific nutrients in the diet (vitamin C,
niacin , etc.) may produce characteristic oral manifestations. In addition,
unusual food practices, such as chewing sugar cane throughout the day or other regional or cultural nutritional practices, may decrease the oral health of specific populations. [5] Vitamin-deficiency diseases may produce characteristic signs and symptoms in the oral cavity (mouth). For example, in a typical B -vitamin deficiency, a person may complain that the tongue is red and swollen and "burns" ( glossitis ), that changes in taste have occurred, and that cracks have appeared on the lips and at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilosis). In a vitamin C deficiency, petechiae (small, hemorrhaging red spots) may appear in the oral cavity, as well as on other parts of the body, especially after pressure has been exerted on the tissue. In addition, the gums may bleed upon probing with a dental instrument. [5] In humans, calcium deficiency rarely, if ever, causes the production of hypoplastic enamel (poorly mineralized enamel) similar to the osteoporosis produced in bone. Teeth appear to have a biological priority over bone when calcium is limited in the diet.[ 5] Oral health problems associated with nutritional deficiencies occur not only in populations with a limited food supply. Individuals whose chewing and swallowing abilities have been compromised by oral cancer , radiation treatment, or AIDS may also exhibit signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies. [5]
Overnutrition and Oral Health
The proliferation of foods high in calories , fat , sugar, and salt, and low in nutritional content²such as that found in fast-food restaurants and vending machines²has created a "toxic" food environment in many industrialized countries, and this has had an important impact on oral health. Oral bacteria have the ability to synthesize the acids that dissolve tooth enamel from many different types of foods, not just sugar. Frequency of eating is a major factor related to poor oral health in infants, as well as children and adults. Baby bottle tooth decay, also called nursing bottle caries, is a term that refers to the caries formed when an infant is routinely put to sleep with a bottle. Breastfeeding caries is a condition associated with the constant exposure of an infant's oral environment to breast milk, while pacifier caries occurs when a pacifier is dipped in honey prior to inserting the pacifier into an infant's mouth. [5] Both childhood and adult obesity are on the rise, and they have reached epidemic proportions in some countries. Obesity is traditionally associated with increased rates of non-insulin-dependent diabetes; elevations in blood pressure ; and elevated serum glucose, blood cholesterol , and triglycerides (blood fat)²but it is also associated with decreased oral health status. For example, the number of servings of fruit juice and soft drinks ingested each
Oral diseases like gingivitis (left) and periodontitis (right) may result from overnutrition. When food consumption is excessive, or when the foods consumed are frequently sugary or acidic, the enamel on teeth can dissolve and gums can be infected.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned parents on the overuse of fruit juices in children's diets. Although diet soft drinks do not contain sugar, they do contain both carbonic and phosphoric acids and can directly destroy tooth enamel, particularly if the teeth are periodically exposed to a diet drink throughout the day. The direct demineralization of tooth enamel by regular and diet soft drinks has similarities to the demineralization of tooth enamel common in anorexia nervosa, in which forced regurgitation of food exposes lingual tooth surfaces (the side of the tooth facing the tongue) to stomach acids. In the case of enamel erosion produced by soft drinks and juices, effects are usually seen on all the tooth surfaces. [5]
References:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. http://www.blurtit.com/q587885.html http://www.esbhhealth.nhs.uk/publications/public_health/oral.asp http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/SurgeonGeneral/sgr/tables/table54.htm http://www.afic.org/Nutrition%20and%20Oral%20Health%20Making%20the%20Connection. htm http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Ome-Pop/Oral-Health.html http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/Adult/Nutrition/22,21457 http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Ome-Pop/Oral-Health.html http://www.beyondfertility.com/art230.htm http://toothsmarts.com/content.aspx?id=74&catID=3
