Nutrition & Oral Health: The Root of it All

NUTRITION & ORAL HEALTH: THE ROOT OF IT ALL Registered dietitians at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognize a ORAL HEALTH ISSUES IN OLDER ADULTS (65+ YRS): link between mouth health and nutrition. Oral infectious diseases, as well as acute, chronic and terminal illnesses with oral symptoms can impact not only our ability to consume food properly, but also our health and nutrition status. 1/3 *WW HAVE UNTREATED DENTAL ISSUES FOR MANY, AN ANNUAL DENTAL EXAM IS A LUXURY 1 40% have periodontal (gum) disease. 2 2x more likely to be toothless if living in poverty. 3 25% have no natural teeth and instead use dentures or implants. *TOP 10 STATES WITH THE HIGHEST % OF DENTAL VISITS: 72% ORAL HEALTH ISSUES IN CHILDREN (2-4 YRS): on average have health insurance Tooth decay has increased, with significantly more reported among non-Hispanic black & Mexican- American children. *BOTTOM 10 STATES WITH THE LOWEST % OF DENTAL VISITS: 18% 24% 1988 to 1995 to 56% on average have health 1994 2004 insurance THE DON'TS THE DO'S FOR ORAL HEALTH FOR ORAL HEALTH 1 DON'T regularly sip on sugar-sweetened or carbonated drinks. 1 DO maintain a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy products and whole grains that provide essential nutrients. DON'T overly consume sticky foods or slow-dissolving candies. DON'T frequently eat desserts or other sugary foods. 2 DO practice good oral hygiene (i.e. brushing your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day; drinking fluoridated water; and seeking regular oral health care). ORAL HEALTH CARE & NUTRITION IS ABOUT EDUCATION But the collaboration between patients, dentists and registered dietitians can prevent and alleviate a lot of common dental problems - and offer better health to boot! Academy of Nutrition Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: "Oral Health and Nutrition" (May 2013); http://www.eatright.org/About/Content.aspx?id=8384 right. and Dietetics Gallap Wellbeing: "Residents in Mass., Connecticut Lead Nation in Dentist Visits" (Sept. 2011); http://www.gallup.com/poll/149504/Residents-Mass-Connecticut-Lead-Nation-Dentist-Visits.aspx#1 *Based on a 2011 Gallup study of more than 177,000 interviewees (age 18 and over) who say they visited the dentist between January and June 2011.