HOW DOES WHAT I EAT AFFECT MY ORAL HEALTH? You may be able to prevent two of the most common diseases of modern civilization, tooth decay (caries) and periodontal (gum) disease, simply by improving your diet. Decay results when the teeth and other hard tissues of the mouth are destroyed by acid products from oral bacteria. Certain foods and food combinations are linked to higher levels of cavity- causing bacteria. Although poor nutrition does not directly cause periodontal disease, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and is more severe in patients whose diet does not supply the necessary nutrients. Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to many disorders. People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease. Additionally, research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. So eating a variety of foods as part of a well-balanced diet may not only improve your dental health, but increasing fiber and vitamin intake may also reduce the risk of other diseases. How can I plan my meals and snacks to promote better oral health? Eat a well-balanced diet characterized by moderation and variety. Develop eating habits that follow the recommendations from reputable health organizations such as the American Dietetic Association and the National Institutes of Health. Choose foods from the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products and meat, chicken, fish or beans. Avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups, which usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster SM-CL2050131 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 HOW DOES WHAT I EAT AFFECT MY ORAL HEALTH ? You may be able to prevent two of the most common diseases of modern civilization , tooth decay ( caries ) and periodontal ( gum ) disease , simply by improving your diet . Decay results when the teeth and other hard tissues of the mouth are destroyed by acid products from oral bacteria . Certain foods and food combinations are linked to higher levels of cavity causing bacteria . Although poor nutrition does not directly cause periodontal disease , many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and is more severe in patients whose diet does not supply the necessary nutrients . Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system , thereby increasing susceptibility to many disorders . People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease . Additionally , research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions , such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease . So eating a variety of foods as part of a well - balanced diet may not only improve your dental health , but increasing fiber and vitamin intake may also reduce the risk of other diseases . How can I plan my meals and snacks to promote better oral health ? Eat a well - balanced diet characterized by moderation and variety . Develop eating habits that follow the recommendations from reputable health organizations such as the American Dietetic Association and the National Institutes of Health . Choose foods from the five major food groups : fruits , vegetables , breads and cereals , milk and dairy products and meat , chicken , fish or beans . Avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups , which usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies . Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster SM - CL2050131 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554