Insider Update

We’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” And for good reason — there’s an undeniable connection between our health and the food that we consume every day. In honor of National Nutrition Month, here are a few tips to share with your clients on how daily diet can help support oral and vision health and prevent serious, costly issues down the line. Use this knowledge to reinforce the value of preventive care  with your clients, which is critical to overall health.

How nutrition impacts oral health

According to the American Dental Association, the connection between diet and oral health is a two-way street. Nutrition affects the health of the mouth, and the health of the mouth affects nutrient intake. Tooth decay, gum disease or missing teeth can make it difficult to chew certain foods, leading to a restricted diet, greater risk of malnutrition and other health problems. Good nutrition is just as important to preventive dental care as brushing, flossing and getting regular X-rays and cleanings.

Supporting oral health through diet goes beyond limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks. To really bolster the health of teeth and gums, foods packed with antioxidants and other vitamins that help strengthen immunity and fight bacteria and inflammation are important.

Here are a few oral health-supporting foods:
 

• Dairy products rich in calcium and vitamin D help promote healthy teeth and bones and reduce the risk of tooth loss. Vegan and lactose-free options include: leafy greens, beans, nuts and fortified plant-based milks.
• Crispy, crunchy raw fruits and vegetables help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath. 
• Fresh cranberries interrupt the bonding of oral bacteria before they can form damaging plaque — making them the perfect, tart treat for supporting a healthy mouth.
• Foods high in antioxidants help protect gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection. Antioxidant-rich foods include: berries, citrus, tomatoes, kale, broccoli, nuts, sweet potatoes and even green tea.
• Foods rich in folic acid promote a healthy mouth and support cell growth throughout the entire body. This member of the vitamin B family is found in leafy greens and brewer’s yeast.
• Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and support bone density, and are found in salmon, tuna, mackerel, avocado, tofu, walnuts, flaxseeds or chia seeds.
   

How nutrition impacts vision health

Nutrition also plays a major role in supporting vision health for the long haul. The American Optometric Association suggests that adding certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to the diet can help not just preserve vision quality, but improve it. Research shows that some eye-supporting nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin can even help reduce the risk of serious eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Here are a few vision-supporting nutrients, and where to find them:
 

• Lutein and zeaxanthin are two caroteniods known to reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases. They can be found in leafy greens, broccoli, corn, persimmons, peas, raspberries and tangerines.
• Vitamin A supports vision quality in low light conditions, and can be found in carrots, dairy products, egg yolks and leafy greens.
• Vitamin C has been shown to help prevent cataracts. Citrus fruits are high in this antioxidant, as well as strawberries, green peppers, kale and tomatoes.
• Vitamin E protects the cells in the eyes from free radicals. Foods high in vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seeds and avocados.
• Zinc deficiency has been linked to impaired vision. To increase zinc intake, try red meat, oysters, shellfish, nuts and seeds.
• Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain eye health and retinal function, and are found in fish, avocados, walnuts and more.
   

Preventive care is key

While extremely important, nutrition is just one preventive measure people can take to support oral and vision health. When consulting with clients, be sure to also advocate for other preventive services that their insurance may cover such as regular dental cleanings and vision exams —  to help keep them healthy and happy. And if you’re interested in learning more about the connection between nutrition and health, explore more articles about nutrition from Delta Dental.