Diet, Oral Health and Wellness
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Transcript Diet, Oral Health and Wellness
Diet, Oral Health and
Wellness
What’s 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
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
How do you strengthen the teeth to
reduce decay?
How do you reduce bacterial plaque?
Should you eliminate carbohydrates
from your diet?
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 CHO’s can demineralize tooth enamel
Simple Sugar-Sticky Texture
Eat Less Simple Carbohydrates
Eat More Complex Carbohydrates
Developing bones/teeth need
calcium rich foods/dairy products
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
Bottled water
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)
Saliva’s 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
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
Dental Erosion
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
Dental Sealant
Molar on left has sealant
Molar on right has no sealant.
Dark spot may be start of decay
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