Oral Health and Eating Habits

Nisha Yetter

Good oral health means teeth are properly working for chewing and speech, free of decay, and no inflammation of the gums (gingiva). Tooth decay is caused when plaque come in contact with sugar in the mouth, causing acid to attack the teeth. A regular diet consisting of foods high in sugar, calories, salts, and fat heightens the chances of dental caries. “Sucrose (sugar) can supply both the substrate (building blocks) and the energy required for the creation of dental plaque.” (Karp) Oral health in relation to eating habits can be categorized into three groups under nutrition, over nutrition or the just right range.

Poor eating habits that do not include vegetables and dark leafy greens, not only cause damage to your teeth, but it can also make it more difficult for gingiva to resist disease or infection. This difficulty stems from a lack of certain nutrients. Although it is not as large of an issue in the United States as in Third-World Countries, vitamin deficiencies such as Vitamin A, B, C, and others are still a recurring issue and can have major effect on oral health. Vitamin A deficiency may lead to postponement of healing in the mouth. The lack of vitamin B can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, ulcers, cracks at the corners of the mouth, fungal infection, or the breakdown of taste buds. Vitamin C deficiency may cause gingiva to bleed easily and gingivitis. While lack of calcium and Vitamin D can cause weak teeth and bone structure. 

The over consumption of drinks and foods with pronounced amount of fats, acids, sugar, and salts also causes poor oral health. These substances demineralize tooth enamel. “Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to many disorders. People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease” (Academy of General Dentistry). It is not only important to keep track of what foods are eaten but the characteristics of it too. If a food is sticky or sticks to teeth it is more likely to play a role in developing caries. This sticky food residue and the sugar and acids develops into plaque. The length of time the drink or food is chewed, sits on the teeth, how often you’re eating, or is consumed the longer a substance is in the mouth the longer the sugar and acid stays on the teeth causing demineralization. Demineralization causes tooth decay. Not only is tooth decay caused but with poor oral health it also causes periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is inflammation of the gingiva, causing pockets around the tooth and grows below the gum line.

Avoid snacking on sugary, carbs, and acidic foods and drinks throughout the day and eat only a small amount during meal times. Another very important step to keeping good oral health is to make sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. It is important to make sure to include foods high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Eating and drinking items that are unrefined, whole foods, many vegetables, and leafy greens. Having a well-balanced, low sugar, and low carb eating habit is not just good for amazing overall health but oral health too.