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Healthy Eating for Good Oral Health

What you eat affects your oral health destiny. You can dramatically impact your dental health by eating a well-balanced, healthful diet. Research has shown that poor nutrition jeopardizes our oral health which puts you at risk for a number of serious dental problems.

The Food Factor

Our food choices can make a big difference in two of the most common diseases today: tooth decay and gum disease. Certain foods, especially those containing sugar, are directly linked to increased levels of cavity-causing bacteria. Tooth decay results when acids from the bacteria attack the teeth forming cavities. While diet doesn't directly cause gum disease, a condition affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth, researchers believe the disease is more rapid and severe when poor nutrition is a factor. Gum disease is a serious problem, since it can lead to tooth loss if untreated.

Diet and Dental Health

The American Dietetic Association and the National Institutes of Health recommend eating a well-balanced diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables, a good variety of breads and cereals, dairy products, fish, chicken, dried beans and peas, and meat. Enjoying a variety of foods is the best way to get all the important nutrients needed for keeping healthy. Beware of fad diets that exclude entire food groups. This can cause nutritional deficiencies.

Snack Smart

Snacking is a favorite pastime, but certain snack choices promote tooth decay such as soft, sweet, sticky foods. Select nutritious snacks better for your teeth and general good oral health, especially colorful, juicy fresh fruits and crisp, crunchy vegetables. Choose your snacks based on any other dietary concerns, such as low cholesterol, low-fat, or low sodium diets. Dental cleaning should always follow snacking, whenever possible.

If you snack on crackers, cookies, or chips, it's better if you eat them in combination with other foods, such as cheese with crackers, rather than alone. This is because these foods when eaten alone tend to produce more bacteria in the mouth leading to tooth decay. Remember, each time you snack, oral bacteria is activated. Drink plenty of water to rinse away some of the disease-causing bacteria. If possible, brush your teeth after snacking.

Select from the wide variety of foods for healthful eating -- that are good for you and your oral health.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Oral Cancer And Smokeless Tobacco

"Dip" ... quot;Chew" ... "Pinch" ... quot;Snuff" ... "Dirt" ... "Plug" ... all are different names for smokeless tobacco, a finely ground version of processed tobacco. No matter the name, smokeless tobacco is harmful and puts your health at risk. Chew on these facts:

• About 30,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in 1999.*
• More than 8,000 oral cancer patients will die this year.
• Tobacco products cause about 75% of oral cancers affecting the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, and parts of the nose and larynx.
• Nearly 30 cancer-causing substances have been found in smokeless tobacco.
• One can of smokeless tobacco a day delivers as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes!
• You have a 50% greater risk of developing oral cancer with long-term use of smokeless tobacco.

* Cancer Facts and Figures, American Cancer Society, 1999

Smokeless tobacco has been glorified over time by images of quot;macho" men performing feats of fame and prowess, whether as athletes, rodeo cowboys, or country music stars. In reality, many want to kick the habit, but nicotine is addictive. It's hard for them to quit.

In a survey of major league baseball players, more than a third reported they had mouth sores, white patches, or gum problems. Nearly 60% said they wanted to quit. The nicotine actually decreases performance, causing dizziness and slowed reaction time.

Smokeless tobacco causes problems for your oral health:

• White, leathery patches in your mouth or lips
• Painful sores that may be pre-cancerous or cancerous
• Yellow teeth and permanent tobacco-stained teeth
• Exposed tooth roots from receding gums, likely to cause decay, sensitive teeth and pain
• Cavities from the sugar added to the tobacco
• Bad breath
• Greater risk for developing oral cancer

Additionally, smokeless tobacco can affect your general health causing:

• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• A greater risk of heart attack
• Withdrawal symptoms ranging from headaches, moodiness, and problems concentrating when you try to quit
• Cancer that can be fatal

If you use smokeless tobacco, chew all these facts over. Choose to quit. Your health is serious business. Talk to your dentist about getting help to quit. Make the right choice -- it's for your body, your health, and maybe even your life.

By Thomas Warner, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.