Nutrition and dietetic care span various life stages, addressing nutritional needs and exploring factors that shape dietary habits. Globally, an alarming disproportion in food resource distribution, coupled with substandard nutritional intake, underscores profound implications for oral health.
Micronutrient | Dental Effect | Nutrition Source | Deficiency | Supplements |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vitamin A [15][21][22][23] |
Facilitates the stimulation of saliva production, thereby promoting the removal of acids and food particles from teeth, concurrently neutralizing acid and providing protection against dental decay. | Leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, and broccoli), orange and yellow vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and others), tomatoes, red bell pepper, cantaloupe, mango, beef liver, fish oil, milk, and eggs. | Elevated susceptibility to caries was observed in instances of vitamin A deficiency. A proposed mechanism for this vulnerability postulates that it may be attributed to an increase in enamel solubility. | Deficiency in vitamin A is common in children and pregnant women. Supplements may be suggested in this case. |
Vitamin B6 [22][24] |
Has emerged as a promising contender in safeguarding against dental caries. | Beef liver, tuna, salmon, fortified cereals, chickpeas, poultry, and some vegetables and fruits | The deficiency of vitamin B6 can have implications for dental integrity, disrupting essential processes like enamel formation and increasing the risk of caries development. | Only recommended in case of deficiency of vitamin B6. |
Vitamin K [22][24] |
Has surfaced as a noteworthy prospect for protecting against dental caries. | Spinach, broccoli, iceberg lettuce, and fats and oils | Insufficient levels of vitamin K may compromise dental health by impeding optimal mineralization processes, potentially contributing to enamel hypoplasia and increasing the susceptibility to caries formation. | Only recommended if there is a deficiency of vitamin K. |
Vitamin C [16][22] |
Plays a crucial role in promoting the health of the gingiva and facilitating the healing process. | Citrus (orange, kiwi, lemon, and grapefruit), bell peppers, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower), and white potatoes | Depletion in humans leads to gingival bleeding, regardless of oral hygiene. | Only recommended if there is deficiency of vitamin C. |
Vitamin D [22][24][25] |
Activates a pivotal role in the formation of enamel and dentin during the tooth development process due to its interaction with receptors in ameloblasts and odontoblasts. | Dark-green leafed vegetables, cheese, milk, cod-liver oil, oyster mushrooms, eggs, and certain species of wild salmon | The insufficiency of vitamin D can lead to enamel hypoplasia, a noteworthy factor contributing to early childhood caries. | For strict vegans (those avoiding milk) and elderly, vitamin D supplements could be taken in combination with minerals as either vitamin D alone or minerals alone may not provide systemic benefits. |
Calcium [22][23][25] |
Engages actively in the protection and reconstruction of tooth enamel. | Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, calcium-fortified tofu, leafy greens, and almonds | Enamel hypoplasia, salivary glandular hypofunction, and alterations in saliva composition may represent mechanisms through which an association with caries is established. | Calcium is the most important supplement with vitamin D for elderly and vegetarians for dental health. It may also be recommended for pregnant women and children when they do not consume dairy products daily. |
Phosphorus [22][25][26] |
The equilibrium between enamel demineralization and remineralization is actively influenced by the levels of calcium and phosphorus ions in saliva, and their deficiency markedly alters the morphology of the tooth. | Protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, milk, and eggs | Incorporating amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles into orthodontic cement can prevent the occurrence of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatments as these nanoparticles possess the capability to inhibit caries and promote the remineralization of lesions. | Supplementation may be essential in deficiency. |
Magnesium [22][26] |
Demonstrates noteworthy antibacterial and biofilm activity against cariogenic bacteria. | Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains | Has the potential to diminish the progression and development of dental caries by releasing magnesium ions. | Supplementation may be essential in deficiency. |
Zinc [22][26] |
Exhibits the capacity to inhibit S. mutans, diminish plaque formation, and promote remineralization. | Meet, fish, and seafood | Failed to foster antimicrobial activity. | Supplementation may be essential in deficiency. |
Low (Green) | Medium (Amber) | High (Red) | High Per Portion If More Than 100 g/150 mL (Red) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sugar in food (per 100 g) | 5 g or less | Between 5 g and 22.5 g | More than 22.5 g | 27 g |
Sugar in drink (per 100 mL) | 2.5 g or less | Between 2.5 g and 11.25 g | More than 11.25 g | 13.5 g |