Diet and nutrition have a significant impact on oral health. They influence the development and progression of oral diseases and conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, erosion, and others. While nutrition refers to the micronutrients and macronutrients that the body requires, diet refers to the specific foods consumed. The relationship between oral health and diet and nutrition is bidirectional. Diet and nutrition affect oral health, and the health of the mouth affects nutrients consumed. Dental diseases and tooth loss have a significant impact on self-esteem, ability to eat, nutrition, and health, both in childhood and later in life. Extensive tooth loss in older people may limit healthy food intake, impair nutrition, and increase the risk of chronic diseases.
Most common oral health diseases include dental caries, periodontal disease, and dental erosion. The consumption of sugars has been associated with an increased risk of developing dental caries. Dental caries is the most common oral disease worldwide. The term dental caries can refer to both the disease process and the cavitated or non-cavitated lesions that form as a result of the disease process. Carbohydrate consumption is an important nutritional factor in the development of caries. Sugars, specifically, are considered to be the most important drivers of caries development. Acidic by-products produced by bacteria in biofilm (dental plaque) via fermentation of dietary carbohydrates demineralize dental hard tissues. More specifically, there is a rapid drop in pH (to 5.5 or below) in tooth biofilm after carbohydrates are ingested. This lower pH can also alter the balance of microbes in the biofilm, resulting in a higher proportion of acidic biofilm species, further exacerbating tooth demineralization.
Moreover, periodontitis is defined by the American Academy of Periodontology as “the inflammation of the periodontal tissues resulting in clinical attachment loss, alveolar bone loss, and periodontal pocketing.” It is caused by specific microorganisms in dental plaque and excessive host response to this bacterial challenge, resulting in progressive destruction of tooth-supporting apparatus (i.e., gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone). The complex nature of periodontal disease makes it difficult to determine its relationship with diet and nutrition.
On the other hand, consuming acidic foods and beverages on a regular basis has been linked to an increased risk of erosive tooth wear. Dental erosion is clinically defined as "the progressive and irreversible loss of dental hard tissue caused by a chemical process of acid dissolution that does not involve bacteria.” While acid reflux and certain medications can contribute to erosive tooth wear, the diet is the most significant source of acid for tooth erosion.
The relationships between oral health conditions, dietary practices, nutritional status, and general health status are complex, with interconnected factors. Just as inadequate nutrition can affect oral health, compromised oral health can alter food choices and negatively impact food intake, thus, resulting in poor nutritional status and chronic systemic diseases. Recognizing and treating oral health and nutrition problems are critical aspects for improving health and quality of life. So, be mindful of the kind of diet you are taking in while caring for your teeth at the same time.
-PNFP Rowence F. Zorilla, RND
References:
1. Nutrition and Oral Health
https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/nutrition-and-oral-health
