Mention the word “dentist” and one of two
emotions-love or hate-arise. I’ve always been in the love category. My dentists
have always been kind and gentle and have taken every opportunity to educate me
on the hows and whys of brushing, flossing, the prevention of gum disease and the
importance of regular check ups. But should they be talking to me about my eating habits
and nutrition, too?
Lisa Mallonee, Associate Professor at Texas
A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry, says absolutely yes.
As both a Registered Dietitian and Registered Dental Hygienist, Mallonee
possesses a rare combination of credentials and she’s on a course to
change the conversation that takes place in the dentists chair. ”In
dentistry, it is not our job to help our patients lose weight but rather to
encourage eating habits that will maintain both a healthy mouth as well as a
healthy body.”
In the dental world when it comes to nutrition—three basic things
are assessed regarding the diet and determining oral disease risk: Form,
Frequency and Timing.
Form: categorized as sticky, liquid or slow dissolving
Timing: when is food/beverage consumed? With a meal or in
between meals? Are beverages consumed all at once or sipped on all
throughout the day?
Frequency: occasionally or every single day, consumed multiple
times throughout the day
Mallonee says that from a dental perspective,
patients should be encouraged to consume certain forms of foods such as acidic
beverages ( juices, soda, coffee, wine, sports drinks) slow dissolving sugars
(hard candies, cough drops, breath mints, and antacid tablets) and retentive
foods in moderation. These foods should be consumed within a meal
rather than sipping and snacking on them frequently throughout the day. I
had no idea that healthy foods such as baked chips, pretzels and whole wheat
bread are considered to be “retentive” and don’t clear from the mouth as
readily. “Highly acidic fruits and vegetables that are consumed in large
amounts or frequent juicing can have erosive potential,” cautions Mallonee.
“Dental professionals shouldn’t discourage these healthy choices. Instead, we
should reinforce good oral hygiene in conjunction with good eating habits.”
Mallonee recommends these three habits to her
patients in order to promote good oral health.
1. Consume acidic foods and beverages WITH a
meal rather than in between meals.
2. Try to balance meals and snacks with lean
protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates to stabilize the pH in the
mouth.
3. Brush after meals and floss daily. If
brushing isn’t an option, chew gum with xylitol (such as Trident) for at least
5 minutes following a meal to reduce the bacteria in the mouth that contributes
to risk of caries. (cavities)
As is true for most things related to the diet
and good health, all things in moderation rings true for healthy teeth, gums
and mouths!
