The Relationship Between Oral and Dental Health and Nutrition

Oral and dental health is directly related to nutrition. Therefore, reviewing one’s dietary habits helps prevent tooth and gum diseases. Foods that can be harmful to dental health include sugary foods, acidic foods, foods that stick to teeth, and factors such as tobacco use, which negatively affect tooth and gum health. What is the recommended diet to protect dental health? Sugary, sticky, and acidic foods such as cola should be avoided. When teeth cannot be brushed, foods that will massage the gums, such as apples and carrots, should be consumed. If brushing is not possible, the mouth should be rinsed with clean water. After consuming sugary foods, cavity‑preventing foods such as cheese should be eaten. Has the incidence of dental caries increased because of dietary habits? In developing countries, the risk of encountering dental caries has increased. This is due to changes in dietary habits. Increased consumption of fast food, coffee, and tobacco, irregular eating, and stress factors contribute to the rise in dental caries. Additionally, the growth of the processed food industry and the consumption of softer, lower‑nutrient foods also lead to more cavities. Frequent consumption of biscuits, chocolate, cola, or other snack foods facilitates faster bacterial growth in the mouth. The reduction of calcium‑rich milk and dairy product consumption due to the processed food industry also contributes to an increase in gum diseases.