Dental Talk

Nutrition in Dentistry

1. CALCIUM - Important in teeth and bone development. Pregnant women need plenty of high-calcium foods, in order to start their baby to strong teeth and bones.
   1. Calcium still helps throughout life for your bones, and to some degree your teeth.
   2. Almost 75% of women don't get enough calcium each day.
   3. Later years can/will develop periodontal disease and osteoporosis.
   4. Sources: >1000 mg/day recommended - milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, green leafy vegetables, tofu, and fortified foods (Orange Juice), also supplements.
2. VITAMIN C - >60 mg/day recommended.
   1. If not enough, you are prone to periodontal disease.
   2. Body uses it as antioxidant, strengthen bones and blood vessels, growth, tissue repair and wound healing, resistance to infection.
   3. Foods: When exposed to 02, calcium degrades so eat Vitamin C foods soon after opening. Example - Orange Juice, cantaloupe, red and green peppers, mangoes, broccoli, red cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, tomatoes, soybeans, strawberries, and raspberries.
3. CARBOHYDRATES - [sugars], bacteria eat it and release acids and tissue-damaging factors. The more you eat; the more chance of tooth/gum damage. Example - soda, juices, candy, jellies, etc.
4. SODA - bad in:
   1. acid
   2. colored
   3. sugar
   4. Phosphorus level high, and can leach calcium out of your teeth and bones. Counteracts calcium in foods also.
5. EATING HABITS
   1. How often - less is better (less between meals).
   2. Texture of food - sticky, wadding foods limit (fruit rollups, gummy candy, raisins, crackers, and chips).
   3. Slow to dissolve foods - cookies, granola bars.
   4. Meal time - when eaten at a meal, will be washed away better by chewing, drink, and saliva. In-between meals lower saliva and may not drink to rinse.
   5. Brush, floss, rinse.