Are You Brushing Your Teeth Properly? Somebody’s Watching…
What Does Your Mouth Say About Your Overall Health?
Living 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.
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