Health Leader, Nourishing Your Smile

Nourishing Your Smile

How does what I eat affect my oral health?

Decay results when acid products from oral bacteria destroy the hard tissues in the mouth
Certain foods and food combinations are linked to higher levels of cavity-causing bacteria
Researchers believe that periodontal disease progresses faster and is more severe in patients whose diets do not supply enough nutrients
Periodontal disease affects the supporting tissues of the teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss
Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to many disorders
People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease
Research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease

How can I plan my meals and snacks to promote better oral health?

Eat a well-balanced diet characterized by moderation and variety
Develop eating habits that follow the recommendations from reputable health organizations such as
The American Dietetic Association and The National Institutes of Health
Choose foods from the four basic food groups: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, chicken, fish or beans
Avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups that usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies
Keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water. Saliva protects both hard and soft oral tissues
If you have a dry mouth, supplement your diet with sugarless candy or gum to stimulate saliva
Foods that cling to your teeth promote tooth decay. Avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods, such as cakes, candy and dried fruits
Choose dentally healthy foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and sugarless gum or candy
When you eat fermentable carbohydrates, such as crackers, cookies and chips, eat them as part of your meal, instead of by themselves. Combinations of foods neutralize acids in the mouth and inhibit tooth decay
Each time you eat, you create an environment for oral bacteria to develop
Studies show that dental disease is just as related to overeating as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and hypertension

When should I consult my dentist or dietitian about my nutritional status?

Ask your dentist if you're not sure how your nutrition affects your oral health
Tooth loss, pain, or joint dysfunction can impair chewing and are often found in elderly people, those on restrictive diets and those who are undergoing medical treatment
People experiencing these problems may be too isolated or weakened to eat nutritionally balanced meals at a time when it is particularly critical

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

» Back to Dental Health Tips

Follow us on:

Health Tip:

Packing Bag Lunches Safely

If you pack lunches for your child to take to school, be careful that you do not accidentally expose them to foodborne illness.

Bagged lunches, especially those containing perishable foods, need to be packed and handled properly in order to keep the food safe. In general, perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. If left out too long, the temperature of the food can enter the danger zone where bacteria grow most rapidly, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Below are some tips to help families pack bagged lunches safely:

Pack foods that are nonperishable and won't require refrigeration.
If you do pack perishable foods such as luncheon meats or prepackaged cheese and crackers, include a frozen gel pack or a frozen juice carton with the food in an insulated lunch bag or box.
Pack only the amount of perishable food that your child can eat at lunch.
Preparing lunches the night before and storing them in the refrigerator until you pack your child's lunchbox in the morning can help keep food cold longer the next day.
Don't reuse packaging materials such as paper or plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. as they can contaminate other foods and cause foodborne illness. Have your child discard all used food packaging and paper bags after lunch.

Before eating lunch or snacks at school, make sure your child washes his or her hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If your child's school does not have a handwashing program in place, encourage them to adopt a such a program, as handwashing is one of the best ways kids and parents can protect health and stop the spread of germs.