National Nutrition Month (February)

National Nutrition Month was started thirty years ago after it was determined that a National Nutrition Week was just too short to do the topic justice.  The American Dietetic Association quickly realized a month would be needed for this event due to the publics’ increased interest in nutrition.  The theme for National Nutrition Month this year is Healthy Eating, Healthy You, which links your diet to your overall health and well being.  Staying healthy and eating right are important for all factors of life, from avoiding chronic diseases to your self image and confidence.
So how can you as a patient become aware of these things before having blood work or worse, before it is too late?  Open wide and let’s take a journey into your mouth.  Lets see what your mouth says about your overall health and nutrition.

Gums that have started receding, or are inflamed can be signs of serious health problems.

Cavities, tooth loss, and gingivitis are other indications to a dentist that your health could be at risk. When the dentist notices these conditions in one’s mouth it may be linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, vitamin deficiencies and even a premature or low birth weight baby.  

A recent study in the journal Circulation linked common dental problems with an increased risk of heart disease.  It has been proven that dental indicators are stronger predictors of heart disease than the more traditionally used factors such as cholesterol and triglycerides.

March 27 is also Diabetes Awareness Day.  Diabetics who are not on medication or treatment tend to develop periodontal disease at a rate of three to four times faster than people without it.  This is because uncontrolled diabetes affects your white blood cells, which is your main defense against infection.  Since periodontal disease results from a bacterial infection, it is a problem that untreated diabetics have quite often. 

Other symptoms that could be present in the mouth of a diabetic are dry mouth, thrush, burning of the mouth or tongue and a breath odor known as “acetone breath”. 

So how is your nutrition affecting your oral health?  Every time you eat, those foods are brought into contact with the bacteria and germs that live in your mouth.  When you opt not to brush after eating, plaque starts to accumulate on the teeth.  These plaques thrive on starches and sugars that are in a great deal of foods.  When the plaque is combined with sugars and starches the tooth enamel begins to break down from an acid that is produced.  The acid attacks your teeth for twenty minutes or more. 

It is very important in preventing cavities to maintain a healthy diet and practice good oral hygiene. It is essential to consistently eat from the five major food groups, cut down on snacking in between meals and limit snacks and drinks that are high in sugar.  If you must have a snack between meals choose fresh fruits or vegetables and whole grain products. 

		Most people are aware of the benefits of eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.  Unfortunately there are only about twenty to thirty percent of Americans actually consuming that amount daily.  Research has shown that diets containing at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day may help prevent thirty-five percent or more of all the causes of cancer.  It also reduces the risk of obesity, heart disease, and hypertension as well.  This makes it clear to see that when your mouth is healthy, chances are good that your body is also well.  By eating foods that are not tearing away enamel from your teeth or causing decay you are also keeping your heart and mind healthy.  It is important to visit your dentist and hygienist regularly to ensure healthy teeth and gums. You may also be surprised at what he finds out about your heart just by looking at your gums.
	Cheese is also a great snack to eat in between meals because it stimulates saliva production, which neutralizes bacteria-produced acids.