Annually, the month of February is commemorated as the National Dental Health Month and February 3 to 9 as the National Dental Health Week pursuant to Proclamation No. 559, series of 2004 to induce the dental health consciousness among all Filipinos. This year, we are observing its 19th year with the theme “Ibigin ang Bibig! Sa bibig na malusog at alaga, masustansyang pagkain enjoy hanggang pagtanda!”.
Oral health is recognized as an essential part of everyone's overall health as nutrition starts inside the mouth. Proper nutrition contributes significantly to the oral health, which in turn has impact in the consumption and absorption of nutrients we get from food.
Poor dental hygiene is linked in having diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, tooth cavities, gum (periodontal) disease, and oropharyngeal cancer. However, these conditions can be prevented through adequate intake of the following nutrients:
1. Water contributes to reducing the risk of experiencing toothache, dental carries, and speech and chewing problems based on studies since water keeps the mouth clean through washing away of residues, acid, and bacteria that might build up in the mouth.
2. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that promotes positive changes in dental microbiome, a group of microorganisms found in the oral cavity. Fiber can be found in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, and legumes.
Meanwhile, sugar is a type of carbohydrate that promotes plaque build-up. Excessive intake of sugar and carbohydrate can lead to poor oral health. Thus, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting sugar intake by less than 10% of its total recommended calorie intake.
3. Calcium is a kind of mineral responsible for strong teeth and bones. People with inadequate intake of calcium may lead to tooth decay or even tooth loss as teeth become brittle and fragile. Sources of calcium include soybeans, fish with bones like sardines and anchovies, dark green leafy vegetables, and dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
4. Phosphorous is another type of mineral that increases absorption and maximizes the use of calcium for a healthy teeth. Potassium can be obtained by consuming dairy products, nuts and legumes, whole grains, red meat, seafood, and poultry.
5. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that reduces possibility having of impaired tooth formation, enamel hypoplasia (thin or absent enamel), and gum disease (periodontitis). Thus, it refines the tooth-supporting structures such as ligament, gums, and bone. Food rich in vitamin A are liver, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, bell pepper, milk, and egg.
6. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and an antioxidant that plays a vital function in collagen synthesis which aids in developing and maintaining healthy gums and preventing scurvy (bleeding gums). Vitamin C can be acquired from dietary sources like citrus fruits (oranges, lemon, and kiwi), bell pepper, tomato, strawberry, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
NNC MIMAROPA hopes that all Filipinos shall prioritize the oral health as this serves as the primary route for food, water, and air, and a crucial component of general health and well-being. Alongside maximizing the oral health programs implemented by the local government and behavioral change, essential nutrients such as water, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A and C are essential for your dental health.
Written by: PEO I Nichole Loyola
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Reviewed 2022). Oral Health Conditions. Accessed from https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html#:~:text=Poor%20oral%20health%20is%20associated,consuming%20sugary%20foods%20and%20beverages
Gossweiler, A. G. & Mier, E. A. (2019). National Library of Medicine. Chapter 6: Vitamins and Oral Health, 28:59-67. Accessed from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31940621/
Kim, Y.R. (2021). Water and One Health. Analysis of the Effect of Daily Water Intake on Oral Health: Result from Seven Waves of a Population-Based Panel Study, 13 (19), 2716. Accessed from https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/13/19/2716
Dent, J. (2019). Effect of Dietary Fiber on the Composition of the Murine Dental Microbiome, 7(2): 58. Accessed from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6630570/
Department of Health (2022). DOH, J&J Boost Importance of Oral Health Care through Orally Fit Pinoy. Accessed from https://doh.gov.ph/press-release/DOH-J%26J-BOOST-IMPORTANCE-OF-ORAL-HEALTH-CARE-THROUGH-ORALLY-FIT-PINOY#:~:text=The%20Universal%20Health%20Care%20Act%20reaffirms%20that%20oral%20health%20is,being%20protected%20against%20financial%20risk
DOST-FNRI (Revised 2018). Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes. Accessed from https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/images/images/news/PDRI-2018.pdf
Frank, C. (2021). What to know about calcium deficiency and teeth. Accessed from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/calcium-deficiency-teeth#prevention
Harvard School of Public Health. (n.d.). The Nutrition Source: Phosphorus. Accessed from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/phosphorus/#:~:text=A%20variety%20of%20foods%20naturally,animal%20foods%20than%20plant%20foods
Official Gazette of the Philippines (2004). Proclamation No. 559 s. 2004. Accessed from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2004/02/24/proclamation-no-559-s-2004/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6630570/
Oral-B. (n.d.) Vitamin C, Calcium, and Oral Health. Accessed from https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/vitamin-c-calcium-oral-health/
