Our clinic, Odontología profesional, reachable at (801) 785 – 8000, is proud to be your partner on the path to optimal oral health. Read on to discover the crucial and complex relationship between your diet and your Salud bucal.
The Bidirectional Relationship Between Diet and the Mouth
Dieta (the specific foods consumed) and nutrition (the micro- and macronutrients) are significant influencers of oral health, affecting the development and progression of oral diseases and conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, and erosion. However, this relationship is two-sided: compromised integrity of the oral cavity can also influence an individual’s ability to eat and, consequently, their nutritional status.
For example, older patients often experience tooth loss and reduced masticatory ability, which can lead to changes in food intake and potentially nutritional deficiencies. At Odontología profesional, we consider your nutritional health in every treatment plan.
Dental Caries: The Role of Carbohydrates and Sugar
Dental caries (tooth decay) is the most common disease worldwide. It is a sugar-driven, biofilm-mediated process involving the demineralization of dental hard tissues.
The link between caries and carbohydrates is well-established. Bacteria in the biofilm (dental plaque) ferment dietary carbohydrates, producing acidic by-products that cause the $\text{pH}$ in the mouth to drop rapidly (to $5.5$ or below). This acidic environment demineralizes the tooth enamel.
Types and Frequency of Sugars
Free sugars (including those added to food/beverages, as well as naturally occurring sugars in fruit juices, honey, and syrups) are the primary drivers of caries development. Sucrose (table sugar) is the most cariogenic sugar, as it is not only easily metabolized by bacteria but also contributes to the formation of more acidic plaque.
Beyond the type of sugar, the amount and frequency of its consumption are vital. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that free sugars should be less than $10\%$ of total energy intake, suggesting a further reduction to less than $5\%$ as ideal.
However, many studies indicate that the frequency of sugar intake (constant snacking) may be an even greater risk factor than the total amount consumed. Each time sugar is consumed, the $\text{pH}$ in your mouth drops for approximately 30 minutes. Frequent intake does not allow your saliva time to remineralize and neutralize the acid, keeping your teeth under constant attack.
Strategies and Additional Considerations
- Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs): They are a significant contributor to free sugar consumption. Studies suggest that taxing SSBs, such as a $10\%$ tax, can result in an average decline in purchase and intake of $10.0\%$.
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Formerly known as “baby bottle tooth decay,” it is primarily due to prolonged exposure to sweetened liquids in young children. Current guidance promotes limiting fruit juice consumption in babies and toddlers.
- Cariostatic Properties: Some foods like milk and dairy products may have caries-inhibiting properties. The calcium in dairy helps offset the cariogenic properties of lactose by limiting enamel undersaturation during acidogenesis.
- Xylitol: This sugar alcohol, used in chewing gums and artificial sweeteners, has been postulated for its cariostatic effect (substituting fermentable carbohydrates, increasing salivary flow, reducing acid potential), although the overall evidence is equivocal and is considered a low-quality adjunctive therapy for caries prevention.
Periodontal Disease: A Multifactorial Condition
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the periodontal tissues resulting in progressive loss of the tooth-supporting apparatus (alveolar bone and periodontal ligament). It is caused by specific microorganisms in dental placa and an excessive host response.
While nutritional status can modify the body’s immune response, affecting the management of periodontal disease, the multifactorial nature of this condition makes it difficult to determine a direct relationship with diet. Studies examining the role of minerals and lipids in the onset or progression of periodontitis have so far found insufficient evidence of clear associations. However, maintaining a balanced diet is key to a strong immune system.
Dental Erosion: The Non-Bacterial Acid Threat
Dental erosion is 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 some medications contribute, the most significant source of acid is often the diet.
Key factors in dental erosion:
- Frequency of Consumption: The more often, the worse.
- Contact Time: The longer the beverage is in the mouth, the worse.
- pH and Buffering Capacity: A low pH value indicates acidity and is generally erosive, but the buffering capacity of the food or beverage can significantly help mitigate this effect. For example, yogurt has a relatively low pH of about 4.0; however, its high calcium content acts as a natural buffer. This buffering action helps neutralize the acid and makes the yogurt substantially less erosive to the teeth than its pH level alone might suggest.
Soft drinks y sports drinks have been consistently associated with an increased risk of erosive tooth wear. It is vital to wait a prudent amount of time (at least 30 minutes) after consuming acidic foods before brushing, as immediate brushing can damage already softened enamel.
Calcium and Vitamin D: The Builders of Strong Teeth
Calcium is essential for forming and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for children aged 4-8 years is $1000 \text{ mg}$ per day. Approximately $72\%$ of calcium intake in the U.S. comes from dairy.
Vitamin D influences the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism. Observational studies have suggested that higher prenatal or childhood serum Vitamin D levels may be associated with a reduced risk of caries in children, underscoring its importance for oral development.
Other Oral Health Conditions and Nutrition
Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer: With the exception of heavy alcohol consumption, which increases the risk, no direct dietary relation has been identified. However, the consumption of fruits and vegetables may be protective, as observed with other cancers. A meta-analysis showed a lower risk of oral cancer associated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption.
Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores): Reported dietary triggers include hard, acidic, and salty substances, as well as alcoholic and carbonated beverages.
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth): Can be exacerbated by dry or acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Your Next Step Towards Total Oral Health
En Odontología profesional, we believe that prevention starts with education. Understanding the connection between what you eat and the health of your mouth empowers you to make smarter choices for yourself and your family.
If you have questions about your diet, caries risk, or how your nutrition affects your oral health, our team in Utah is here to help.
Don’t wait for a small issue to become an emergency!
Call Professional Dental today at (801) 785 – 8000 to schedule your next appointment. We are ready to care for your smile!
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