Nutrition In Dentistry

NUTRITION IN DENTISTRY
ORAL SYMPTOMS OF NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES

  • Table 17-6 (1 of 2):

    • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) / Iron:

    • Symptom: Cheilosis or angular stomatitis.

    • Niacin (Vitamin B3) / Vitamin B12:

    • Symptom: Bright red, sore tongue.

    • Folate:

    • Symptom: Atrophic glossitis.

  • Table 17-6 (2 of 2):

    • Biotin:

    • Symptom: Red, scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth (rare).

    • Vitamin C:

    • Symptom: Inflamed, bleeding gums; impaired wound healing (scurvy).

    • Vitamin A:

    • Symptom: Changes in taste.

    • Iron:

    • Symptom: Esophageal webs leading to dysphagia.

VITAMINS

  • Vitamin A:

    • Deficiency can impair infection response and immunity.

  • Vitamin C:

    • Symptoms of deficiency include scurvy, and spontaneous bleeding.

  • B-Complex Vitamins:

    • Symptoms include mouth cracking and inflammation.

DIET AND DENTAL CARIES

  • Definition of Caries:

    • Resulting from the interaction of susceptible teeth, cariogenic bacteria, and fermentable sugars.

  • Caries Process:

    • Equation: Susceptible tooth + Cariogenic bacteria + Fermentable carbohydrate = Caries.

    • Bacteria and sugars contribute to plaque acid formation, resulting in tooth decay (demineralization).

ROLE OF CARBOHYDRATES IN CARIES

  • Carbohydrate Impact:

    • Caries development is a diet-related infectious disease.

    • Streptococcus mutans:

    • Bacteria responsible for initiating the caries process.

    • Frequent carbohydrate consumption and tooth morphology influence caries risk.

NUTRITION AND PERIODONTAL DISEASES

  • Overview:

    • Periodontal disease is an infectious condition with nutrition needs increasing during inflammation.

  • Dietary Suggestions for Periodontal Patients:

    • Follow a nutritionally adequate diet based on dietary guidelines.

    • Increase fibrous foods to stimulate saliva production.

DENTAL AND NUTRITIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF COMMON CHRONIC CONDITIONS

  • Diabetes Mellitus:

    • Increased risk of oral infections (including periodontal disease); a balanced diet is crucial.

    • Guidelines for diabetes management include meal regularity and judiciously consuming sweets.