FLORIDA — Nutrition and dental health are deeply connected, yet the relationship between the two is often overlooked, says a University of Florida dietitian.
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Laura Acosta, an instructional associate professor in the UF/IFAS food science and human nutrition department, is emphasizing the importance of recognizing how oral health affects overall wellness.
“Sometimes we silo our health and think about nutrition in one place and dental health and overall wellness in other places,” said Ms Acosta. “But the truth is, they are all inextricably intertwined.”
Acosta, a dietitian, is among the few higher education nutrition instructors in the country who integrates dental health into her curriculum. She noted that oral diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease impact billions worldwide and can lead to significant health issues.
Periodontal disease, which affects the gums and bones supporting teeth, is linked to systemic inflammation. According to Ms Acosta, this condition can contribute to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sleep apnea.
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“There is a consistent pattern showing the prevalence of certain pathogenic, or disease-causing, bacteria in the mouths of people with major chronic conditions,” Acosta said.
“Individuals with periodontal disease are about twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease, about 2.5 times more likely to develop cancer, and about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.”
Ms Acosta advised against consuming starchy, refined carbohydrates found in foods like bread, pasta, French fries, crackers, and pizza, as well as sugary and acidic drinks such as fruit juice, coffee, and soda.
She recommended a diet inspired by Mediterranean principles, including whole, minimally processed foods with anti-inflammatory effects.
Green tea, which contains the antioxidant Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may also help combat oral disease, she said.
“EGCG has been shown to slow down and even prevent recession,” Acosta said. “It could be an additional tool in the arsenal against oral disease.”
She also cautioned that even healthy foods, such as fruit, can expose teeth to acids and sugars. To minimize harm, she suggested consuming these foods during meals rather than snacking throughout the day.
