Foods Bad for Your Teeth May Also Be Unhealthy for Your Body

Researchers at the University of Washington School of Dentistry have found that the diets that damage teeth may also be bad for the body. Foods that contain a high sugar level have long been thought to damage teeth. These same sugars may also have the potential to cause serious diseases. The question is whether diets that damage teeth also cause damage to the system.

High glycemic diets are diets that contain sugars that can damage teeth. Dr. Phillippe P. Hujoel of the School of Dentistry in Seattle reviewed the relationships between nutrition, dental disease and chronic illness. Dr. Hujoel published a report in the July 1, 2009 issue of the Journal of Dental Research. In the publication, he weighed two differing viewpoints about the role of dietary carbohydrates in health and disease

The discussion is about foods that turn into sugar in the mouth, called fermentable carbohydrates. Foods like cookies, candy, cake and doughnuts are obvious examples of these sugary carbs, but they are not the only sources. Carbohydrates that are generally considered healthy but that turn to sugar in the mouth nclude tropical fruits, bananas, raisins and sticky dried fruits. Starch foods like potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, pretzels, corn and refined wheat flour also turn into simple sugars in the mouth.

The high glycemic diet has generally been considered bad for the teeth but healthy for the body. The carbohydrates that break into sugar in the mouth have the potential to cause cavities and gum disease. From a dental perspective, the only way to prevent the damage from this type of diet has been to practice good dental care, with diligent brushing and flossing.

The question asked in the report is whether fermentable carbohydrates are also unhealthy for the system. According to Hujoel there are a slew of clinical trials that suggest that diets that are healthy for teeth are also good for general health.

Diets that are higher in fat and protein do not cause dental disease. The low carbohydrate diet may improve cardiovascular health and also decrease body fat

Foods with a high glycemic levels are also associated with high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a serious problem for people with diabetes.

If it is true that the diets that are good for the teeth are also healthy for the body it will mean that general nutritional guidelines could change.

The theory is that dental health may forecast the health of the body. Dental symptoms seem to appear before symptoms start to show up in the body. Therefore, poor dental health could be a harbinger of problems that are brewing in the rest of the body. Treating the cause of dental problems may prevent a disease in the rest of the body.

Glycemic levels are a complicated issue because everyone's body chemistry is different. The research presented is interesting, but undoubtedly there will be much research required before any dietary recommendations are changed.

Information is this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions about diet or health, please consult a medical professional.

Resources:
EurekAlert: Diets bad for the teeth are also bad for the body - University of Washington
Mayo Clinic website

Related Articles:
Diet and Nutrition for Kidney Disease
No Carbohydrate Diets Best at Controlling Type 2 Diabetes
Soda is the Culprit in Yellow Teeth. Worse than Coffee
Floss Your Teeth for Heart Health
An Electric Toothbrush is a Wise Investment for Oral Health
Gum Disease May Be Linked to Some Cancers