The Ripple Effect of Inflammation
You’ve heard it said: “You are what you eat.” But have you ever considered how your diet also affects your oral health? It’s common knowledge that to have a healthy body you must have a healthy lifestyle. Plenty of exercise and a nutritious diet can help us achieve our goals. But what kind of diet are we actually talking about? Since inflammation in the body causes or contributes to many chronic illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer, a diet focused on anti-inflammatory properties is important.
Anti-Inflammatory Diets Prevent Tooth Loss
Diet has a significant effect in the development of dental caries. Yet the role that food plays in systemic inflammation and subsequent tooth loss has not been extensively examined, even though 46% of adults in the United States have periodontitus, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Subjects in the highest quartile of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), indicating a pro-inflammatory diet, had lost an average of 0.84 more teeth than those in the lowest quartile of the DII, indicating an anti-inflammatory diet. The researchers concluded that an anti-inflammatory diet could be associated with fewer missing teeth.
(Source: https://www.dentistrytoday.com/)
Choose Your Foods Wisely
At C R Dental Group, located in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Reisman and Dr. Contrucci recommend the following dietary suggestions to aid in reducing inflammation without relying on the use of anti-inflammatory medications. A diet rich in fiber, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and fish should be consumed regularly. But it is also important to limit saturated fats and avoid processed foods and refined sugars. Munch on healthy snacks, drink plenty of water, and don’t forget to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist at least twice a year!
