Heather Lawson-Myers - TOOTH TALK NUTRITION AND oral health share a symbiotic relationship. In order to have good oral health you must have good nutrition and to have good nutrition you must have good oral health.
There is a synergistic relationship between poor nutrition, infectious diseases and the immune system. For example, infections promote malnutrition, which impairs the immune system, therefore intensifying the infectious disease. With poor oral health, cavities, gum disease and other diseases of the tissue lining the cheeks, the tongue and salivary glands may become infected. These infections, in addition to causing discomfort in the mouth, may affect general health in many ways.
Persons diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease have chronic inflammation resulting in destruction of the soft tissue surrounding the teeth and the supporting bone. Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic infections in humans. According to recent studies, a nutritious diet, including adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, essential fatty acids and micronutrients can play a very important role in the resistance of infectious conditions, including periodontal disease.
IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS
Antioxidants, vitamin A, zinc, iron and dietary fish oils improve host resistance to infections
Zinc, copper, selenium, N-acetylcysteine, vitamin E and dietary fish oils reduce inflammation
Vitamins C, D, E and fish
n-3 fatty acids reduce tissue destruction, enhance wound healing and increase bone strength and rate of bone formation
Calcium and vitamin D have a beneficial effect on bones and on tooth retention.
A balanced diet with adequate protein, carbohydrates and the necessary vitamins and minerals is vital for good oral health. The nutrients that we put in our bodies influence the tissues in the mouth to which bacteria attach as well as the saliva. Proteins ingested need vitamin A to enable the body to use it properly. Without sufficient vitamin A, one could experience a decreased salivary flow and weakened teeth resulting in more cavity susceptibility.
Healthy saliva can actually arrest cavities and remineralise teeth if they are saturated with calcium and phosphate salts. The remeneralisation process is further heightened in the presence of fluoride.
Poor nutrition can result in the secretion of stress hormones and this can affect the ability of tissues to heal. On the other hand, persons who have lost several teeth may adjust their food intake in a manner that limits eating healthy foods. Persons with more teeth usually eat more fruits, vegetables and more fibrous foods, while those without teeth are prone to eating foods with little nutrients and high in fat and sugar content. The same scenario may apply to those with ill-fitting dentures. In addition, persons taking drugs, alcohol and who smoke may have altered appetite adversely affecting their nutritional intake.
In this age of convenience it is very easy to get trapped in the fast-food- for-breakfast-lunch-and-dinner game. Many snacks are loaded with non-nutritious calories. Malnutrition is not just a condition of impoverished people, it affects many of us daily but it may not be evident until a trip to the physician or dentist is necessary.
Good nutrition is vital for a healthy oral cavity and a healthy oral cavity is vital for good
nutrition.
Source: The Colgate Oral Care Report
Dr. Heather-Dawn Lawson-Myers, President, Jamaica Dental Association (2003/4).
