Diet, Oral Health and Wellness

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Diet, Oral Health and Wellness
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Whats the connection?

• Diet and oral health are closely related
• A healthy dentition is needed to chew fresh,
  whole foods
• and
• The foods we choose to eat can directly impact
  the health of teeth and gums
• The goal is healthy mouths and healthy bodies

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To develop a cavity you need

• A susceptible tooth
• Decay-causing bacteria (dental plaque)
• Carbohydrate (carbohydrates are composed of
  carbon, hydrogen, oxygen CHO)
• Sugar (CHO) Bacteria Acid Production

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• How do you strengthen the teeth to reduce decay?
• How do you reduce bacterial plaque?
• Should you eliminate carbohydrates from your
  diet?

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Carbohydrates Fuel Us

• Simple CHO-table sugar, honey, fructose
• Complex CHO-found in vegetables, whole fruits and
  whole grains, fiber
• The frequency eaten (how often) and the texture
  (how sticky) of the CHO are important factors to
  consider when changing the diet to decrease
  dental decay
• All CHOs can demineralize tooth enamel

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Simple Sugar-Sticky Texture
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Eat Less Simple Carbohydrates
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Eat More Complex Carbohydrates
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Developing bones/teeth need calcium rich
foods/dairy products
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Benefits of Drinking Water

• Frequently drinking soda pop and fruit juices can
  increase the risk for tooth decay
• When you are thirsty, reach for water, it is
  calorie free and may contain fluoride
• Water is an essential nutrient needed for total
  health
• Most bottled water does not contain fluoride

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Bottled water
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Children Need Two Types of Fluoride

• Topical (you may need two or more)
• toothpaste, gels, rinses
• (topical sources are not swallowed)
• Systemic (you only need one)
• community water fluoridation or prescription
  fluoride supplements
• (systemic sources are swallowed)

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Salivas a Good Thing.

• Saliva offers natural protection against decay
  it neutralizes the acid in the mouth
• Individuals with less saliva and dry mouths are
  at more risk for tooth decay
• Chewing sugarless gum after a meal or snack does
  promote saliva production which can help protect
  teeth

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Impact of Eating Disorders

• Bulimia Nervosa frequent vomiting causes enamel
  erosion due to the acid content, which can lead
  to tooth decay
• Anorexia Nervosa starvation diets rob teeth and
  bodies of essential nutrients
• A balanced diet and regular exercise is the best
  combination to maintain a healthy weight

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Dental Erosion
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To Reduce Dental Decay You Can

• Strengthen the tooth enamel with appropriate
  fluorides
• Protect the chewing surfaces of teeth with dental
  sealants
• Brush floss daily to remove bacteria
• Limit servings of sticky CHO foods and sweet
  beverages / increase complex CHO

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Dental Sealant

• Molar on right has no sealant. Dark spot may be
  start of decay

• Molar on left has sealant

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Make the Connection

• A healthy mouth means a healthy body
• Eating a balanced diet with a variety of foods
  will improve oral health and general health
• Reducing the frequency of sugary foods and
  beverages will reduce tooth decay and help
  maintain a healthy weight