The impact of nutrition on oral health

Studies point to a bidirectional relationship between oral health and diet and nutrition. That is, diet and nutrition affect the health of the tissues in the mouth, and the health of the mouth can affect how nutrients are consumed.

Mouth-body connection

The mouth-body connection is a strong indicator of overall health. Without proper oral hygiene, bacteria in the mouth can reach levels that could lead to oral infections, like tooth decay and gum disease (periodontitis). Poor oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also influence a person’s ability to eat.

• Heart disease: Poor oral health, as a possible cause of heart disease, has been studied for many years. While the connection is not fully understood, research suggests heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
• Diabetes: The link between diabetes and oral health problems is high blood sugar. When blood sugar is poorly controlled, oral health problems are more likely to develop. People with diabetes are at increased risk of dry mouth and gum disease, which can lead to chewing difficulties and even tooth loss.
• Cancer: Poor oral health may increase cancer risk. People with a history of gum disease may have a greater risk of stomach cancer and throat cancer compared to people without gum disease. Having lost two or more teeth also increased risk. A new study also showed poor oral health may heighten the risk for gastric cancer.
• Alzheimer’s disease: Research shows gingivitis with tooth loss was associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Oral health risk factors

• Pregnancy: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes Pregnant women may be more prone to gum disease and cavities. Changing hormone levels in pregnancy directly affects gum problems, and indirectly, tooth decay. Poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to poor health outcomes for mother and baby — including, but not limited to, premature delivery, low-birth-weight baby, pre-eclampsia, gingivitis, loose teeth and dental erosions.

In addition, women who have a lot of cavity-causing bacteria during pregnancy and after delivery could transmit the bacteria from their mouth to that of their baby. Early contact with these bacteria and to other sugars, such as from frequent snacking or taking a bottle to bed, can lead to early childhood cavities and the need for extensive dental care at a young age.

• Medications: There are hundreds of medications (prescription, herbal, vitamins and over-the-counter) that can cause dry mouth, which not only increases risk for tooth decay, but can also create problems with swallowing and chewing. This can result in a poor nutritional state that may negatively impact oral health.
• Restrictive diets and allergies: People with food allergies and those on restrictive diets (like gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan) have a higher chance of experiencing vitamin and protein deficiencies, putting them at higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Any time there is an elimination or restriction of specific food groups, nutritional deficiencies are possible.
• Eating disorders: Oral health can be severely affected by eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, causing lingering or even permanent damage to the teeth and mouth. By depriving the body of essential nutrients, gums and other soft tissue inside the mouth may bleed easily. The glands that produce saliva may swell, and individuals may experience chronic dry mouth. Stomach acid from vomiting can damage tooth enamel, changing the color, shape and length of teeth.

Quick tips for mouth-to-body health

Since a person’s mouth is strongly linked to their overall health, their oral hygiene habits, lifestyle and diet can all affect the rest of the body. Here are a few helpful tips for improving mouth and dental health, and good habits to practice every day.

• Drink plenty of water, and always keep your mouth moist. Saliva protects hard and soft oral tissues. If you have a dry mouth, stimulate saliva with sugarless candy or gum.
• Choose foods from the five major food groups. fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, chicken, fish or beans. Avoid diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups, which can result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies.
• Snack smartly. Avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods (like candy and dried fruits), which stick to teeth and can cause tooth decay. Choose nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and sugarless gum or candy.
• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on toothpaste packaging. Floss daily and visit your dentist regularly. Routine dental care can prevent problems from occurring in the first place or catch issues early, while they are still treatable.

Mom's Meals^® can help

Mom’s Meals believes better health begins with the meals we eat, and eating a nutritious diet should be easy and convenient. Through a variety of condition-specific menus, including a general wellness option, we deliver delicious ready-to-heat-and-eat meals direct to your home. Crafted by professional chefs and registered dietitians, each meal is designed to provide the nutrients, vitamins and minerals your body needs to help support optimal health.