Links between nutrition and oral health: Updated position of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Academy’s position paper “Oral Health and Nutrition” was published in the May issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and can be found on the Academy’s website. It states:It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that nutrition is an integral component of oral health. The Academy supports integration of oral health with nutrition services, education and research. Collaboration between dietetics practitioners and oral health care professionals is recommended for oral health promotion and disease prevention and intervention.RELATED | Topical antioxidants: an emerging indication of oral disease According to the Academy’s position paper, dental caries — also known as tooth decay — “is the most prevalent, chronic, common, and transmissible infectious oral condition in humans.” In addition, a person’s overall health can be affected by tooth loss, since “declining periodontal health” can lead to diminished dietary quality because of lack of essential nutrients in a person’s diet.The Academy’s position paper emphasizes that oral health problems can be prevented by: • Eating a healthy balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and low-fat dairy products and whole grains that provide essential nutrients for optimum oral health and overall health • Practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day; drinking fluoridated water; and seeking regular oral health careRELATED |F as in fat “As knowledge of the connection between oral and nutrition health increases, it highlights the importance of dietetics practitioners and oral health care professionals to provide screening, education and referrals as part of comprehensive client/patient care,” according to the authors of the Academy’s position paper. “Collaborative endeavors between dietetics, dentistry, medicine and allied health professionals in research, education, and delineation of practice roles are needed to ensure comprehensive health care,” the authors say. The Academy’s position paper was written by registered dietitians Riva Touger-Decker, professor and department chair at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey – School of Health Related Professions and New Jersey Dental School; and Connie Mobley, associate dean of research and professor at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education, and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.