How can oral health, directly and/or indirectly, effect your nutrition?

[BrettParticipant]

Can having a unhealthy or healthy oral cavity influence what you eat? Can it effect your overall state of being? What risks are involved nutritionally with having poor oral health?

[Angelee HanceyParticipant]

Overall oral health dictates proper chewing, which generally impacts food choices and nutritional well-being (1). Oral health conditions such as pain and discomfort associated with caries, periodontal disease, ill-fitting dentures, and tooth loss have been associated with inadequate nutritional status (1). Presence of these oral conditions can result in reduced intake of various foods that contribute to a healthy diet. People who have oralpharyngeal cancer, eating disorders, and systematic diseases such as diabetes have implications for oral health (3). Elderly populations are at higher risk for oral health diseases and conditions that can affect eating habits. In one cross-sectional study examining 33 elderly individuals, the researchers concluded that the results showed a temporary association between anthropometric changes related to tooth loss, which may increase the risk of developing chronic diseases (1). Another study also concluded that having a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish combined with physical activity contribute to overall health, including dental health (2). Dentists are important in preventing and controlling dental caries and periodontal disease which contribute to tooth loss. Dentists are advised to educate the effects of tooth loss on chewing and nutrition and impacts to overall health (2). Collaborative effects between dietetic practitioners and oral health care professionals are recommended for overall disease prevention and intervention (3).

1. Rodrigues HL, Scelza MFZ, Oliveira DL. Relation between oral health and nutritional condition in the elderly. Journal of Applied Oral Science. 2012; 20(1): 38-44.
2. Palacios C, Joshipura KJ, Willett WC. Nutrition and health: guidelines for dental practitioners. Oral Diseases. 2009; 15: 369-381.
3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Oral Health and Nutrition. 2013; 113(5): 693-701.

[BrettParticipant]

Angelee,

Great response to my question! Thank you.

While this subject can be vague and hard to relate to nutrition, you really found some good science based information and explained your opinions well. I additionally, found a source that supports your article that states that malnutrition is very much related with oral health, specifically poor oral health and dentures (1). Basically if you take care of your teeth then you get to keep them but if you choose not to take care of them you are likely to loose them. Loosing your teeth, having cavities, or dealing with periodontal disease will effect the quality of your life and indirectly your everyday diet.

1)Cousson PY, Bessadet M, Nicolas E, Veyrune JL, Lesourd B, Lassauzay C. Nutritional status, dietary intake and oral quality of life in elderly complete denture wearers. Gerodontology. 2012;29(2):e685-92.

• This reply was modified 10 years ago by  Brett.

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