Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth

Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life.

“Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” said Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.

In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma.

“If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” Palmer said. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.”

Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay

It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth.

“Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” Palmer said.

Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly.

Myth 3: Losing baby teeth to tooth decay is okay

It is a common myth that losing baby teeth due to tooth decay is insignificant because baby teeth fall out anyway. Palmer notes that tooth decay in baby teeth can result in damage to the developing crowns of the permanent teeth developing below them. If baby teeth are lost prematurely, the permanent teeth may erupt malpositioned and require orthodontics later on.

Myth 4: Osteoporosis only affects the spine and hips

Osteoporosis may also lead to tooth loss. Teeth are held in the jaw by the face bone, which can also be affected by osteoporosis.

“So, the jaw can also suffer the consequences of a diet lacking essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamins D and K,” Palmer said. “The jawbone, gums, lips, and soft and hard palates are constantly replenishing themselves throughout life. A good diet is required to keep the mouth and supporting structures in optimal shape.”

Myth 5: Dentures improve a person’s diet

If dentures don’t fit well, older adults are apt to eat foods that are easy to chew and low in nutritional quality, such as cakes or pastries.

“First, denture wearers should make sure that dentures are fitted properly,” Palmer said. “In the meantime, if they are having difficulty chewing or have mouth discomfort, they can still eat nutritious foods by having cooked vegetables instead of raw, canned fruits instead of raw, and ground beef instead of steak. Also, they should drink plenty of fluids or chew sugar-free gum to prevent dry mouth.”

Myth 6: Dental decay is only a young person’s problem

In adults and elders, receding gums can result in root decay (decay along the roots of teeth). Commonly used drugs such as antidepressants, diuretics, antihistamines and sedatives increase the risk of tooth decay by reducing saliva production.

“Lack of saliva means that the mouth is cleansed more slowly. This increases the risk of oral problems,” Palmer said. “In this case, drinking water frequently can help cleanse the mouth.”

Adults and elders are more likely to have chronic health conditions, like diabetes, which are risk factors for periodontal disease (which begins with an inflammation of the gums and can lead to tooth loss).

“Type 2 diabetes patients have twice the risk of developing periodontal disease of people without diabetes,” Palmer said. “Furthermore, periodontal disease exacerbates diabetes mellitus, so meticulous oral hygiene can help improve diabetes control.”

This article appears in the July/August issue of Nutrition Today.

We all are aware of the effects of sugar on your teeth. But what most of us don’t really pay attention to is the acid. Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth mixes with sugar, leading to decay. Erosion occurs when chemicals strip the mineral off the teeth. The consequences of the erosion are far worse than decay, because erosion affects all teeth at once. This causes hypersensitivity, discoloration and cracks on the teeth. Serious cases require crowns or even dentures if entire teeth have disintegrated.

Sports drinks contain high levels of acid that can cause tooth erosion as well as high levels of sugar. Sipping these drinks throughout the day increases the chances for trouble, as they could dissolve the entire tooth over time.

A variety of juices, teas, sodas ( including diet) are also high in acids. The Journal of Dentistry published a study which showed that orange juice decreased enamel hardness by 84 percent. Lemon, orange and grapefruit juice can strip away the enamel with their acidity too. Lemon juice tends to be the most erosive of them all.

In 2008 researchers at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry found that energy drinks and sports drinks, such as Gatorade and Red Bull, eroded the enamel more than soda and fruit juices.

So what is the solution to this problem? Should we avoid all those drinks alltogether? We believe that the key is moderation and some helpful practices to keep your teeth as safe as possible:

• Drink the acidic beverage at once, instead of sipping it all day.
• Use a straw to avoid the teeth from being immersed in liquid.
• Substitute acidic beverages with water.
• Rinse mouth with water after drinking acidic beverage instead of brushing. The bristles of the toothbrush may damage the enamel softened by the acid.
  
• Consult your dentist on the best oral health solution that work for you lifestyle.

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