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Oral Health Resources

Find downloadable information about common dental issues and procedures. For more information catering to your patients’ needs, visit www.KnowYourTeeth.com, the Academy of General Dentistry’s public Web site.

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   >>> Nutrition - Adults   Related articles:
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    • >> What Does Your Mouth Say About Your Overall Health?
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       Nutrition - Children  

    What Does Your Mouth Say About Your Overall Health?

    What Does Your Mouth Say About Your Overall Health?

    L    iving in a fast-paced society where fast food seems to dominate the food chain can mean a great deal for oral health – and poor food choices can even have a negative effect on teeth. In fact, in order for the body's tissues to resist infection and for teeth to remain healthy, minerals and nutrients are essential in a person's diet. The presence of too much or too little of any nutrient can have harmful effects, particularly on the mouth and teeth, and may contribute to oral diseases and infection, according to an article in the March 2007 issue of AGD Impact, the newsmagazine of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
     
     Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common disorders. People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease. Additionally, research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
     
    "Deficiencies in vitamins can cause poor tissue connectivity which can allow for tissue breakdown and subsequent invasion by bacteria," says AGD President-Elect Paula Jones, DDS, FAGD and AGD spokesperson.  "With the additional factor of poor oral health care, the situation can be exacerbated and exhibit as a more severe case of periodontal disease since nutritional deficiencies can compromise the immune system."
     
    Patients can improve their oral health and reduce the risk of periodontal disease by eating a balanced diet based on the well-known food guide pyramid, which recommends eating a variety of foods from the five food groups-grain, fruit, vegetables, milk and meat.
     
    In addition, Dr. Jones explains, "A diet rich in dark, leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits helps the body to have adequate C and B vitamins," Dr. Jones explains. "Limited amounts of sunshine help the body to produce Vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium, which helps to build strong bones and teeth."
     
    Eating a variety of foods as part of a well-balanced diet may not only improve dental health, but increasing fiber and vitamin intake may reduce the risk of other diseases.
     

    What foods may be bad for your mouth?

     

    • Carbohydrates: Chips, bread, pasta, or crackers can be as harmful to the teeth as candy.
    • Sticky, chewy foods: Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans, caramel, honey and syrup stick to teeth and make it difficult to wash the sugar away.
    • Sugary snacks: Cookies, cakes or other desserts contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
    • Gum and candy: When chewing gum and eating candy, the sugar coats teeth, which can lead to cavities.
    • Carbonated soft drinks: Regular and diet sodas contain phosphorous and carbonation, which wears away the enamel on teeth.
    • Fruit or vegetable juices: These beverages tend to be high in sugar, which can damage tooth enamel and lead to decay.

    Updated: August 2007
    The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a non-profit organization of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at www.agd.org/public.

    Contact: The AGD public relations department at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org.

    Note: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.