Your Diet, Obesity and Oral Health

ou probably already know that what you eat influences your oral health, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that obesity could be tied to periodontal disease. According to a recent study, many people with a BMI (or Body Mass Index) between 27 and 32 have an abundance of the bacteria Selenomonas noxia found in their saliva. These bacteria are tied to periodontal disease, but it is also closely associated with the kind of high glycemic diet that is associated with obesity. This means there could come a time when you will be discussing what you eat to your Bernardsville, NJ dentist.

How What You Eat Affects Oral Health

Study participants who were obese consumed foods with higher levels of sugar and fat. Both of these ingredients influence gum disease and obesity. When a person’s diet is made up of these types of foods, the individual is likely not taking in an adequate amount of micronutrients. These nutrients are essential for maintaining gum health and preventing cavities. Avoiding sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, and foods that turn into sugar once they enter the mouth may be key to both obesity and oral health.

Diet and Periodontal Disease

Although there needs to be more research into the connection between obesity and periodontal disease, you can expect Dr. James Kellam and his team at Bernardsville Dental Care to ask you about your diet should you come in for an appointment. They can provide you with any advice you might need about what to eat to save your teeth.

Please contact us with your questions and concerns about obesity and oral health. Our dentists are concerned about the whole person and want to help you make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes to help you lose weight and protect your teeth and gums.