Food, nutrition and dental health
Food analysis and dietary recommendation
I-Introduction
If you need to eat something between meals, opt for healthier options like fresh fruit, cheese, yogurt or low-salt nuts. In addition to being beneficial for your general health, these foods are good for the health of your teeth and gums.
II-Definition of dental health
Oral health is the health of a person’s mouth, particularly the health of their teeth and gums (WHO, 2003).
III- Dental health and general health
Oral health is now an integral part of overall health and well-being.
Beyond cavities and periodontal disease (inflammation of the gums), poor dental health can also impact overall health.
The most common dental diseases are tooth decay and periodontal diseases. They can be classified as public health problems.
Dietary behavior and oral hygiene measures play an important role in preventing these diseases.
IV-The links between diet and dental health
In addition to good oral hygiene, a healthy diet plays an essential role in dental health. Indeed, it helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, oral diseases and, in the longer term, dental erosion.
The foods and drinks you consume have a direct impact on your oral health.
The elements that have an impact:
-The nutritional composition of foods;
-The combination of foods and the order in which they are eaten;
-The frequency of ingestion of refined foods and carbonated and sugary drinks;
-The form of the food (liquid, solid, sticky, etc.);
Certain conditions, such as gastrointestinal reflux and eating disorders, can increase the risk of cavities and weaken teeth.
V-Foods that harm dental health
An unbalanced diet represents a significant risk factor in the development of dental plaque and the appearance of various pathologies: inflammation of the gums, dental caries, demineralization on the surface of the enamel (dental erosion), etc.
The category of foods that are bad for teeth includes sweets and pastries. It is also better to avoid sugary foods that stick to the teeth, such as dried fruits.
You are also advised to consume acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus fruits, etc.) in combination with other foods.
In terms of drinks, we find all the sodas, industrial juices, sugary drinks and alcohol. In our mouth, we find bacteria that feed on these sugars and release acids that promote the appearance of dental plaque and cavities.
VI-How to reduce the risk of caries?
Once we understand the links between diet and dental health, it is important to know how to reduce the risk of cavities.
Tips to follow:
-Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes to remove sugars and food particles from your teeth. It is best to brush after each meal.
-Reduce the number of snacks between meals;
-Reduce sugar in your diet to a minimum;
-Make sure to include fruits, vegetables and plain water in your diet. They all play a key role in your oral health.
VII-Diet and dental plaque
Oral health depends mainly on the foods we eat. These contribute to the formation of dental plaque, a whitish coating made up of saliva and food residue that appears on the teeth within an hour of eating.
If dental plaque is not removed by regular brushing, it is quickly colonized by germs which then produce acids which promote the demineralization of the teeth, or by toxins which contribute to the appearance of gum disease.
VIII-Demineralization of teeth: foods to be wary of
Foods that promote tooth demineralization are acidic foods (vinegar, citrus fruits, ketchup, sodas) and sweet foods (sugars, sweets, but also foods containing sugar without necessarily having a sweet taste: potatoes, cereals, salty biscuits, chips and fries)
IV-Impacts of food and influencing factors
1- Foods that protect teeth
Tooth-protecting foods are called “cariostatic foods.” These include water, vegetables, butter, cheese, meats, and fish.
Water is a very important food for our oral health. It helps to rinse the mouth, eliminate food debris and neutralize acids in the mouth. This is why it is advisable to finish each meal with a glass of water!
2- The effects of foods rich in sugar
Foods high in sugar, especially processed foods and sugary drinks, are the most damaging to our teeth. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
Sugary snacks throughout the day, especially soda and fruit juices, can cause significant damage to our teeth. Sticky foods, such as candy and gum, are also problematic because they remain on the teeth for a long time, promoting the growth of bacteria and the buildup of plaque.
Food analysis and dietary recommendation
1-Definition of dietetics
Dietetics is a discipline which, through food, aims to improve nutritional status,
reduce the risk of developing certain diseases or their complications, and to optimize the state of
health and quality of life of people at all ages.
2- Food analysis
The food analysis aims to verify the conformity of the patient’s food rations according to the
national recommendations.
Following the evaluation of the dietary diary, potentially harmful eating behaviors
Dangerous for oral health are highlighted:
-Nibbling
– Snacks between meals
– Late night snacks
– Frequency and quantity of intake of sugary foods and caloric drinks;
– Consumption of acidic drinks or foods.
When too many nutritional errors appear, it is best to refer the patient to a nutritionist.
In the case of minor disturbances, it is possible to draw simple advice and
educational recommendations.
3- Dietary recommendations
The nutritional advice given to the patient will be adapted according to:
– His personality
– His knowledge and his skills
– His grievances
– His tastes
– Their food choice (composition and type of diet)
– His actual food intake
First , you need to explain to the patient in simple words:
-How cavities and periodontal diseases develop
– That his eating behavior directly affects his general health and his
oral health.
In a second step , it is necessary to target, with the help of the patient, his harmful habits. Attitudes
The fundamentals to be put in place are as follows:
– Eat breakfast
– Do not skip meals and limit yourself to 3 full meals per day
– Avoid snacking between meals
– Do not eat sweets under certain conditions (in front of the television or computer, in
car, before going to bed etc.)
– Limit snacks and encourage tableside meals, taking your time as much as possible
to chew and enjoy
– Do not neglect calcium and fluoride intake
-Improve your oral hygiene.
– Practice regular physical activity.
– Favor slow sugars: Cereals, Potatoes, Legumes !#
Food, nutrition and dental health
Deep cavities may require root canal treatment.
Dental veneers correct chipped or discolored teeth.
Misaligned teeth can cause uneven wear.
Dental implants preserve the bone structure of the jaw.
Fluoride mouthwashes help prevent cavities.
Decayed baby teeth can affect the position of permanent teeth.
An electric toothbrush cleans hard-to-reach areas more effectively.