Diet and Oral Health: The Sugary Connection May Become Sour

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Highlights:

• Bacteria present in the mouth have been associated with caries, periodontal disease, and systemic diseases
• The research on the connection between carbohydrate intake and the composition of bacteria present in the mouth is limited
• Examining this relationship revealed that carbohydrates and sugary foods may result in poor oral health

The link between widely consumed foods and the diversity and composition of oral bacteria has been found by scientists from the University at Buffalo in postmenopausal women. They have shown how eating certain types of foods impacts the oral microbiome of postmenopausal women.

In the new study published in Scientific Reports (1^✔), researchers investigated whether carbohydrates and sucrose, or table sugar, were associated with the diversity and composition of oral bacteria in a sample of 1,204 postmenopausal women using data from the Women's Health Initiative.

‘The higher intake of sugary and high-glycemic-load foods may influence poor oral health due to the changes in the microorganisms present in the oral cavity.’

It is the first study to examine carbohydrate intake and the oral bacteria present below the gum line in a sample consisting exclusively of postmenopausal women. The study was unique, in that the samples were taken from plaque present under the gums, rather than salivary bacteria.

"This is important because the oral bacteria involved in periodontal disease are primarily residing in the subgingival plaque," said study first author Amy Millen, Ph.D., associate professor of epidemiology and environmental health in UB's School of Public Health and Health Professions.

Why is Diet Important for Oral Health

The diet we consume to nourish our body and our eating habits generally influence our overall well-being. A good diet reduces the risk of tooth decay, and other health-related issues such as coronary heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and obesity.

An unhealthy diet and poor nutrition can lead to a variety of oral health issues, such as the increased risk of tooth decay and cavities; dental erosion; mouth sores; gum disease, and oral cancer. So, it is important to get the balance right so that we look and feel great (2^✔).

From an oral health perspective, limiting the daily intake of sugars to less than roughly 6 teaspoons per day can avoid health risks like weight gain and tooth decay.

There is no such thing as healthy sugar, and this applies to added sugar as well as sugar naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices, and concentrates. Therefore, looking at the changes in bacteria present in the mouth after the intake of a particular diet pattern is important for oral health.

Role of Carbohydrates in Oral Health

The research team reported positive associations between total carbohydrates, glycemic load, and sucrose and Streptococcus mutants, which is a contributor to tooth decay and some types of cardiovascular diseases (2^✔). But they also observed that the associations between carbohydrates and the oral microbiome were are not as well established.

They observed that Leptotrichia spp., which has been associated with gingivitis, a common gum disease, is positively associated with the sugar intake. The other bacteria they identified as associated with carbohydrate intake or glycemic load have not been previously appreciated as a contributing factor to periodontal disease in the literature or in this cohort of women.

These findings were found, when they examined these bacteria concerning usual carbohydrate consumption in postmenopausal women across a wide variety of carbohydrate types: total carbohydrate intake, fiber intake, disaccharide intake, and simple sugar intake.

No other study had examined the oral bacteria of such a broad array of carbohydrate types in one population. They also looked at associations with glycemic load, which is not well studied in the oral microbiome.

As more studies are conducted by looking at the oral bacteria using similar sequencing techniques and the progression or development of gum disease over time, we might begin to make better inferences about how diet relates to oral bacteria and severe gum disease.

Diet Tips for Healthy Eating and Good Oral Health

While there are foods that are bad for your teeth, there are numerous foods that are good for oral health and overall well-being. It includes the foods listed below

• Eating balanced meals that include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and those that are high in protein can support your oral health.
• Calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, cheese, fat-free or low-fat milk, almonds, dark green, leafy vegetables, canned salmon, and sardines strengthen the outer tooth surface that protects you from tooth decay, cavities, and dental erosion.
• Phosphorus-rich foods such as fish, lean meats, nuts, dairy, and beans are important in the formation of teeth and bones, and they can help to promote strong teeth and bones once they are formed.
• Vitamin C-rich foods such as Citrus fruits, spinach, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes can be good for your gum health and your overall immune system, which can support your oral health (3^✔).

Diet and oral health are complexly related. Oral health impacts the nutrients consumed, and your nutrition and diet impact the health of the mouth.

Diet refers to the specific foods that you consume. A balanced and healthy diet full of the right nutrients correlates directly to good oral health. A more nutritious diet can support positive oral health and lower your risk for dental issues.

Have healthy foods for a beautiful smile!

References:

1. Dietary carbohydrate intake is associated with the subgingival plaque oral microbiome abundance and diversity in a cohort of postmenopausal women - (https:www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-06421-2)
2. Diet and Nutrition To Prevent Dental Problems - (https:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534248/)
3. Diet and Dental Health - (https:www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/diet-and-dental-health)

Source: Medindia

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