HOW WHAT I EAT AFFECTS MY ORAL HEALTH - LAKE FOREST, FOOTHILL RANCH, MISSION VIEJO, RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, IRVINE - (949) 583-1500 - DR. PARISA ZARBAFAIN, 92610, El Toro, Saddleback, Coto De Caza, Dove Canyon, Portola Hills, Trabuco Canyon

How Does What I Eat Affect My Oral Health?

Featured in Oral Health Resources, Nutrition - Adults Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007

How Does What I Eat Affect My Oral Health? You may be able to prevent two of the most common diseases of modern civilization, tooth decay (caries) and periodontal (gum) disease, simply by improving your diet. Decay results when the teeth and other hard tissues of the mouth are destroyed by acid products from oral bacteria. Certain foods and food combinations are linked to higher levels of cavity-causing bacteria. Although poor nutrition does not directly cause periodontal disease, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and is more severe in patients whose diet does not supply the necessary nutrients.

Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to many disorders. People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease. Additionally, research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. So eating a variety of foods as part of a well-balanced diet may not only improve your dental health, but increasing fiber and vitamin intake may also reduce the risk of other diseases.

How can I plan my meals and snacks to promote better oral health?

Eat a well-balanced diet characterized by moderation and variety. Develop eating habits that follow the recommendations from reputable health organizations such as the American Dietetic Association and the National Institutes of Health. Choose foods from the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products and meat, chicken, fish or beans. Avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups, which usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Always keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water. Saliva protects both hard and soft oral tissues. If you have a dry mouth, supplement your diet with sugarless candy or gum to stimulate saliva.

Foods that cling to your teeth promote tooth decay. So when you snack, avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods such as cakes, candy and dried fruits. Instead, choose dentally healthy foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and sugarless gum or candy.

When you eat fermentable carbohydrates, such as crackers, cookies and chips, eat them as part of your meal, instead of by themselves. Combinations of foods neutralize acids in the mouth and inhibit tooth decay. For example, enjoy cheese with your crackers. Your snack will be just as satisfying and better for your dental health. One caution: malnutrition (bad nutrition) can result from too much nourishment as easily as too little. Each time you eat, you create an environment for oral bacteria to develop. Additionally, studies are showing that dental disease is just as related to overeating as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and hypertension. So making a habit of eating too much of just about anything, too frequently, should be avoided.

When should I consult my dentist about my nutritional status?

Always ask your dentist if you're not sure how your nutrition (diet) may affect your oral health. Conditions such as tooth loss, pain or joint dysfunction can impair chewing and are often found in elderly people, those on restrictive diets and those who are undergoing medical treatment. People experiencing these problems may be too isolated or weakened to eat nutritionally balanced meals at a time when it is particularly critical. Talk to your dental health professional about what you can do for yourself or someone you know in these circumstances.

Updated: January 2007


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Lake Forest 92609, 92630, Foothill Ranch 92610, Mission Viejo 92675, 92690, 92691, 92692, 92694, El Toro 92609, 92610, 92630, Irvine 92602, 92603, 92604, 92606, 92612, 92614, 92616, 92618, 92619, 92620, 92623, 92650, 92697, 92709, 92710, Laguna Hills 92637, 92653, 92654, 92656, Laguna Niguel 92607, 92677, Rancho Santa Margarita 92688, San Juan Capistrano 92675, 92690, 92691, 92692, 92693, 92694 Coto De Caza 92679, Dove Canyon 92679, Cowan Heights 92705, Silverado 92676, Trabuco Canyon 92678, 92679, 92688, Modjeska 92676, Robinson Ranch 92679, Ladera Ranch 92694, Tustin 92780, 92781, 92782, San Juan Capistrano 92675, 92690, 92691, 92692, 92693, 92694, Ladera Ranch 92694, California

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE CITIES PROSMILE DENTISTRY SERVES:

About Foothill Ranch: Foothill Ranch was a census-designated place in Orange County, California, United States. The population was 10,899 at the 2000 census. Foothill Ranch was annexed into Lake Forest, California in 2000. Foothill Ranch is notable for such company headquarters as Oakley, Inc., Wet Seal, Kaiser Aluminum, Risa Technologies and Saddleback Church. Foothill Ranch includes the zipcode: 92610

About Lake Forest: Lake Forest incorporated as a new city on December 20, 1991. Residents voted to name the city Lake Forest, after two expensive master planned residential communities, denying the longer claim to the territory by the community of El Toro. Since being founded, it has expanded its limits to include the newer communities of Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills. The multiplicity of names often creates confusion: some people in the Portola Hills neighborhood, for example, can receive mail addressed to them at Portola Hills, Lake Forest, or Trabuco Canyon. The zip code 92679 is a Trabuco Canyon zip code even though not a single area in the zip code is Trabuco Canyon. This might be because since 92679 is assigned to the northeastern area of Rancho Santa Margarita and the southern area of Lake Forest it would be too confusing for the postal services because 2 cities are both served by that zip code. Lake Forest (along with its neighboring cities Mission Viejo and Irvine) is ranked as one of the safest cities in the country. The private research firm Morgan Quitno ranked Lake Forest as the 15th safest city and another firm later ranked Lake Forest 10th in 2007 in the United States. Lake Forest includes the following zipcodes: 92609, 92630.

About Mission Viejo: Located in South Orange County, Mission Viejo is a planned community that once had cattle grazing on its hillsides. The land was purchased from the O�Neill family nearly half a century ago, and the first homes were built in 1966. By the late 80�s, Mission Viejo became a city, and now houses almost 100,000 residents. Locals enjoy activities at the Mission Viejo Lake, shopping at The Shops at Mission Viejo and the Kaleidoscope Courtyard, and their biggest celebration of the year at the July 4th Street Fair. The community is also proud of their world renowned Nadadores swim team and Saddleback Community College, which offers some of the best golf courses in the county. Mission Viejo includes the following Zipcodes: 92675, 92690, 92691, 92692, 92694.

About Dove Canyon: Dove Canyon is a gated community in Rancho Santa Margarita. Dove Canyon boarders the Cleveland National Forest and is best known for its choice golf courses. Residents enjoy the outdoors at the Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park and the Wagon Wheel Park Bike Trails, as well as a variety of community and family events such as the Boo Bash and Holiday in the Park Dove Canyon includes the zipcode: 92610

About Irvine: Irvine was originally a home to livestock and later crops of ba