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Research
indicates that each of our 32 teeth provides yet another
reason to watch what we eat.
"Adequate
nutrition is important in disease prevention and nutritional
counseling is becoming an increasingly important tactic
in preventive dentistry," said Roger Smith, DDS,
chair of Delta's Dental Policy Committee. "The
quality and consistency of foods, and the combinations
in which they are eaten can affect the likelihood
of tooth decay," he said.
Ongoing research
indicates that antioxidants and other nutrients found
in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts may strengthen
immunity and improve the body's ability to fight bacteria
and inflammation, all of which can help protect the
teeth and gums. And some dietary selections and habits
even have distinct effects on the mouth's ability
to handle cavity-causing bacterial attacks.
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
are known to decrease the risk for tooth loss in the
elderly. As bone loss in the oral cavity can lead
to tooth loss, many of the same methods used to ward
off osteoporosis can be beneficial to tooth retention.
Adding powdered milk to cooked dishes helps those
who don't care for milk or cheese to get some of the
calcium needed to protect teeth and jawbones.
- Antioxidant vitamins such as Vitamin
C, and other nutrients from fruits and vegetables
help protect gums and other tissues from cell damage
and bacterial infection. Studies indicate that fresh
cranberries interrupt the bonding of oral bacteria
before they can form damaging plaque.
- Folic acid promotes a healthy
mouth and supports cell growth throughout the entire
body. This member of the B vitamin family is found
in green leafy vegetables and brewer's yeast.
- Eating sugary or carbohydrate-rich
foods as part of a balanced meal is better than eating
them alone. The body produces more saliva to help
digest larger meals, which washes away more food and
helps neutralize harmful acids before they can attack
teeth.
- Foods that take a long time to
chew can damage teeth. That's because sticky foods,
including nutritious choices like raisins, dates and
dried fruit hold acid against teeth longer than do
other foods.
- And, what photographers have known
for decades, dentists are discovering now: Cheese
and smiles go together. Cooked or cold, cheese unleashes
a burst of calcium that mixes with plaque and sticks
to the teeth. This sticky mixture protects teeth from
the acid that causes decay and helps rebuild tooth
enamel on the spot.
"From their
undergraduate days through doctoral work and continuing
education, dental professionals should be taught to
work collaboratively with other health care providers.
That includes making nutritional assessments and knowing
when to recommend dietary changes or interventions,"
said Dr. Smith. "Nutritional recommendations for
oral health go far beyond sugar is bad for your teeth."
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