Diet, Oral Health and
Wellness
What’s the connection?
 Diet and oral health are closely related
– A healthy dentition is needed to chew fresh,
whole foods
and……
– The foods we choose to eat can directly
impact the health of teeth and gums
– The goal is healthy mouths and healthy bodies
To develop a cavity you need…
 A susceptible tooth
 Decay-causing bacteria (dental plaque)
 Carbohydrate (carbohydrates are composed of
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen = CHO)
Sugar (CHO) + Bacteria = Acid Production
How do you strengthen the teeth to
reduce decay?
How do you reduce bacterial plaque?
Should you eliminate carbohydrates
from your diet?
Carbohydrates Fuel Us
 Simple CHO-table sugar, honey, fructose
 Complex CHO-found in vegetables, whole
fruits and whole grains, fiber
 The frequency eaten (how often) and the
texture (how sticky) of the CHO are
important factors to consider when
changing the diet to decrease dental
decay
 All CHO’s can demineralize tooth enamel
Simple Sugar-Sticky Texture
Eat Less Simple Carbohydrates
Eat More Complex Carbohydrates
Developing bones/teeth need
calcium rich foods/dairy products
Benefits of Drinking Water
 Frequently drinking soda pop and fruit
juices can increase the risk for tooth decay
 When you are thirsty, reach for water, it is
calorie free and may contain fluoride
 Water is an essential nutrient needed for
total health
 Most bottled water does not contain
fluoride
Bottled water
Children Need Two Types of Fluoride
Topical (you may need two or more)
toothpaste, gels, rinses
(topical sources are not swallowed)
Systemic (you only need one)
community water fluoridation or
prescription fluoride supplements
(systemic sources are swallowed)
Saliva’s a Good Thing….
 Saliva offers natural protection against
decay – it neutralizes the acid in the
mouth
 Individuals with less saliva and “dry”
mouths are at more risk for tooth decay
 Chewing sugarless gum after a meal or
snack does promote saliva production
which can help protect teeth
Impact of Eating Disorders
 Bulimia Nervosa – frequent vomiting
causes enamel erosion due to the acid
content, which can lead to tooth decay
 Anorexia Nervosa – starvation diets rob
teeth and bodies of essential nutrients
 A balanced diet and regular exercise is
the best combination to maintain a healthy
weight
Dental Erosion
To Reduce Dental Decay You Can…
 Strengthen the tooth enamel with
appropriate fluorides
 Protect the chewing surfaces of teeth
with dental sealants
 Brush & floss daily to remove bacteria
 Limit servings of sticky CHO foods and
sweet beverages / increase complex CHO
Dental Sealant
 Molar on left has sealant
 Molar on right has no sealant.
Dark spot may be start of decay
Make the Connection
 A healthy mouth means a healthy body
 Eating a balanced diet with a variety of
foods will improve oral health and general
health
 Reducing the frequency of sugary foods
and beverages will reduce tooth decay and
help maintain a healthy weight