Discussions on diet and dentistry tend to focus on sugar, and the need to lower the amount we consume. But what other dietary factors should we be thinking about, and possibly in terms of increasing rather than reducing?
Research has indicated that tackling nutritional deficiencies can improve dental diseases including gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth decay. Oral tissue inflammation has also been shown to be a factor in illnesses like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and pregnancy complications. A recent study also showed that people who have suffered with gum disease for a decade or longer are 70% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
Below are three nutritional factors that research has suggested can improve oral health:
Omega 3 essential fatty acids
Omega 3 oils, found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and sardines, or a supplement, have been well studied for their anti-inflammatory benefits. In 2010, the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that intake of Omega 3 (particularly DHA and EPA) was inversely associated with periodontitis. The report highlighted that whilst the condition has mainly been treated by mechanical cleaning and local antibiotic application, ‘a dietary therapy, if effective, might be a less expensive and safer method for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.’ It is important to note that anyone on blood thinning medication should consult their doctor before supplementing with fish oils.
Vitamin D
A study by the University of Washington involved 24 controlled clinical trials on around 3,000 children, and the findings, according to Dr Michael Holick, Professor of Medicine at the Boston University Medical Centre, ‘reaffirm the importance of vitamin D for dental health.’ He added, ‘children who are vitamin D deficient have poor and delayed teeth eruption and are prone to dental caries.’ Given that a recent survey showed that more than 50% of the UK population has insufficient levels of vitamin D, this could be an area many need to address. Between the end of October and March, in the UK, we are unable to synthesise vitamin D from the sun, and while small amounts can be found in food such as cheese, eggs and cow’s liver, supplementation is routinely advised.
Green tea
The Journal of Periodontology found that people who regularly drank green tea had better periodontal health than those who consumed less of the drink. This is likely to be connected to its anti-inflammatory effects, as studies have shown that green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth and cellular adherence of periodontal pathogens and their production of virulence factors. You can reap the benefits by simply drinking green tea, but if this is not possible there are also supplements available.
There are other areas of diet that are being researched for their benefits to our health, such as using probiotics to alter the mouth’s bacterial ecology, and antioxidants’ ability to reduce inflammation. Taking all this into account, it is clear that diet – beyond just sugar consumption – plays an important role in preventing and treating oral disease.