How does diet affect the teeth?
There are many reasons why we attach importance to the food we eat. We take care of varied, balanced meals because we want to keep a slim figure, look after the health of the body or protect ourselves against diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. Rarely, however, do we realise that the products we consume have an enormous influence on the initial section of the digestive system – the mouth, and in particular the teeth. The influence of diet on the condition of the dentition is very varied: from harmless, though unaesthetic, discolourations to carious changes or even the loss of teeth.
The correct colour of teeth
The correct colour of teeth ranges from grey-blue to yellow-brown; interestingly, yellowish teeth are more strongly mineralised and thereby more resistant to decay. Discolourations can form on the surface of the teeth, which often constitute an aesthetic problem. Discolourations are divided into those of internal origin (e.g. side effects of materials for treating decay or filling canals, effects of injuries or incorrect treatment) – which diet does not affect – and external ones, closely related to the products consumed. The colour of teeth can be changed by, for example, blueberries, blackcurrants and stimulants such as coffee, tea or red wine. This does not mean we should give them up – the deposits that form are relatively easy to remove, and professional cleaning of the teeth in the practice is a good solution. More difficult are discolourations located in the structure of the tooth, forming mainly when children up to around the age of 12 are given tetracycline antibiotics or excessive amounts of fluoride. Such discolourations are not removed by cleaning – they are most often eliminated by methods of prosthetic treatment, e.g. veneers or ceramic crowns.
How does decay form?
The way we eat has an enormous influence on the formation of new carious changes. Products with a high sugar content are an excellent source of nutrients for the bacteria responsible for decay. The consistency of the food is also important – sweet products that "stick" to the teeth remain in contact with the enamel longer and give the bacteria more time to destroy the tooth surface. The simplest solution is regular and thorough cleaning of the teeth of plaque and food remnants. When a tooth is already destroyed by decay, a visit to the dentist is necessary. There are products with a natural ability to protect the teeth, e.g. milk, xylitol (birch sugar), hard cheeses, nuts and legumes – their presence in the diet can limit the development of decay, though it will not replace thorough brushing. More in the article "Diet and tooth decay".
Periodontal diseases
Oral health is not only the teeth, but also the tissues surrounding them, i.e. the periodontium, which includes the gums and the mucosa. Periodontal diseases can lead to the loss of seemingly healthy teeth, and their condition depends to a large extent on diet. A key role is played by vitamins D and C and sugar. Vitamin D is responsible for the remodelling of bone, important for the stabilisation of teeth; in the autumn-winter period, when there is little sun, it is worth supplementing it, necessarily together with vitamin K2, which ensures proper absorption. Vitamin C is easy to obtain from fruit and vegetables – it is responsible for the correct structure of the walls of blood vessels, which is why people whose gums bleed easily should ensure an adequate amount of it. A large amount of sugar in the diet accelerates the deposition of plaque, which, besides decay, results in gum inflammation; untreated gum inflammation leads to periodontal diseases. Excess sugar, together with genetic predispositions, also favours the development of type 2 diabetes, which can damage the periodontium.
Erosion of the tooth surface
The last problem linking diet with dentistry is erosive changes on the surface of the teeth. They manifest as shallow depressions with a large, shiny surface, most often on the front surface of the upper incisors in the area of the necks, sometimes on the chewing surfaces of the lower molars. Erosion is the destruction of tooth tissues by chemical processes dissolving the enamel and then the dentine, without the involvement of bacteria. It can be caused by frequent consumption of acidic drinks such as fruit juices or fizzy drinks (energy drinks have the worst effect), as well as soluble vitamin C preparations and some medicines (e.g. iron supplementation). To reduce the risk of erosion, it is recommended to drink acidic drinks through a straw and to clean the teeth about 30 minutes after consuming them.
The influence of diet on the body
Diet has an enormous influence on the body – including on the mouth and teeth. It is important to compose healthy, balanced and varied meals rich in essential vitamins and minerals, along with proper supplementation. Limiting the consumption of sugars is also recommended. Following these principles favours the health of the teeth and gums.
Studies
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Effect on Caries of Restricting Sugars Intake
Moynihan P. J., Kelly S. A. M. (2014) · Journal of Dental Research · systematic review
Lower intake of free sugars was associated with less caries, and restricting it below 10% of energy brought benefit. The data supported additional benefit at even lower intake, particularly across a whole lifetime.
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Dietary free sugar and dental caries in children: A systematic review on longitudinal studies
Mahboubi Z., Pakdaman A., Yazdani R., Azadbakht L., Montazeri A. (2021) · Health Promotion Perspectives · systematic review of longitudinal studies
Frequent sugar consumption in children increased the risk of developing caries over time. Not only the amount matters but also how often exposure happens, especially snacks and drinks between meals.
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Fluid Intake and the Occurrence of Erosive Tooth Wear in a Group of Healthy and Disabled Children from the Małopolska Region (Poland)
Piórecka B., Jamka-Kasprzyk M., Niedźwiadek A., Jagielski P., Jurczak A. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · cross-sectional study in a Polish population
Among healthy children and children with disabilities in the Małopolska region, the frequency and type of fluids consumed were associated with erosive tooth wear. Frequently sipping acidic drinks can harm enamel regardless of whether they are seen as healthy.