The oral ecosystem thrives on the interactions between its distinct components: saliva, oral mucosa, tongue, and teeth. Each element creates a unique microenvironment, offering specific nutrients and conditions that support microbial communities. The oral microbiome is the second most complex in the body, following the intestinal microbiota. Diet plays a significant role in shaping this ecosystem, influencing the balance of microbes and potentially contributing to oral diseases through the disruption of healthy microbial populations.
Macronutrients and micronutrients in the diet can influence the body's inflammatory response, affecting both systemic and oral health. Foods rich in nutrients and low in processed sugars and artificial additives encourage saliva production and composition that protects against oral diseases. Saliva, often overlooked, serves as a natural defense, neutralizing harmful acids and providing essential minerals for tooth enamel.
A diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as sugary snacks and high-glycemic foods, can exacerbate inflammation in the gums and promote bacterial growth that leads to tooth decay. Conversely, complex carbohydrates and nutrient-dense foods help maintain microbial balance, lowering the risk of conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. Saccharolytic bacteria, which thrive on sugar, are particularly harmful as they demineralize enamel and create cavities.
Dietary strategies to support the oral microbiome include reducing refined sugars, consuming probiotic-rich foods, and incorporating antioxidants, essential minerals, and essential fatty acid balance. Limiting alcohol and processed foods is also critical. A nutrient-rich diet with varied textures encourages mastication, which stimulates saliva flow and fortifies oral health, reducing the risk of dysbiosis and its associated complications.
Santonocito, S., Giudice, A., Polizzi, A., Troiano, G., Merlo, E. M., Sclafani, R., Grosso, G., & Isola, G. (2022). A Cross-Talk between Diet and the Oral Microbiome: Balance of Nutrition on Inflammation and Immune System's Response during Periodontitis. Nutrients, 14(12), 2426. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122426
Hujoel P. Dietary Carbohydrates and Dental-Systemic Diseases. Journal of Dental Research. 2009;88(6):490-502. doi:10.1177/0022034509337700