Nina Farmer details how a deeper understanding of patient nutrition can elevate clinical outcomes through the use of a simple diet diary.
It is well known that diet plays a central role in oral health. We know that sugar is a substrate for the bacteria that cause dental caries, acidic foods and drinks contribute to dental erosion; and it is becoming well known that the Western diet increases inflammation in the body, leading to problems with the host response and patient healing, which in turn impacts patient outcomes.
The diet can also be protective. Certain foods can help to support the oral cavity – for example, calcium and phosphate in dairy products support remineralisation. Fibrous foods help to stimulate saliva flow, which supports the buffering capacity of saliva, and foods high in nutrients support the immune system and inflammatory pathways, helping the host response.
It isn’t just about looking at foods that cause disease, but also what supports health.
