Nutrition and Oral Health
Diet and Nutrition are significant influencers of oral health
While nutrition can be defined as the micro- (vitamins and minerals) and macro- (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) nutrients as they relate to the body’s dietary needs, diet refers to the specific foods consumed. The relationship that diet and nutrition have with oral health is bidirectional, as compromised integrity of the oral cavity can also influence an individual’s functional ability to eat. A variety of dietary factors are hypothesized to influence the oral cavity, including macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, pH properties, as well as the behaviors associated with their consumption. Additionally, factors such as stage of development, specific medical conditions, and socioeconomic status may indicate particular diet and nutritional considerations. Older patients, for example, may experience tooth loss, reduced masticatory ability, and decreased appetite, which may, in turn, influence their nutritional status.
Periodontal Disease
The effect of nutrition status on the body’s immune response may modify factors affecting management of periodontal disease; however, the multifactorial nature of periodontal disease and nutritional status makes it difficult to determine such effects. Compared with caries, there are fewer studies exploring the relationship between nutrition and periodontal disease. Existing studies linking nutrition to periodontal disease have focused primarily on the intake of lipids and various micronutrients.
Dental Erosion
Dental erosion is clinically defined as “the progressive and irreversible loss of dental hard tissue caused by a chemical process of acid dissolution that does not involve bacteria,” and while acid reflux and some medications can contribute to erosive tooth wear, the most significant source of acid for tooth erosion is the diet. Specifically, frequency of consumption, patterns of consumption, and time in contact with acidic food or beverage influence erosive tooth wear.
Calcium Intake
Calcium is a mineral found in many foods, and is essential for forming and maintaining healthy bones and teeth, including hydroxyapatite, the primary calcium phosphate mineral in bone and enamel. Dietary calcium is absorbed from the intestine into the blood, from human or animal milk and dairy products. A technical report from national health and nutrition organizations concludes that plant milks/non-dairy beverages are not recommended from 0-12 months of age; and that unsweetened plant milks/non-dairy beverages other than soy milk are not recommended for exclusive consumption in place of dairy milk.