Nutrition is a fundamental factor both for good general health and oral health. In this article we share a series of dietary recommendations that contribute to preserving the state of our mouth and teeth, with a special focus on the elderly and the common oral conditions associated with age. 

Nutrition plays a key role in people’s lives. In addition to being a source of energy and its importance for the correct general functioning of the body, healthy and balanced nutrition contributes considerably to the protection of our oral health.

Traditionally, the health of our teeth and gums is associated with good hygiene habits and sufficient fluoride intake. But these aspects are sometimes difficult to maintain in children and older people.

For this reason, in both age groups it is essential to develop appropriate dietary habits that help us to maintain a healthy mouth, avoiding the appearance of tooth decay and periodontitis or gum disease, among other conditions.

Nutritional recommendations for good oral health

Eating nutritious foods makes the tissues of the mouth more resistant to infection, so we avoid one of the main threats to teeth and gums. The basis of the diet should be the proteins found in foods such as meat, fish and eggs, the vitamins we can get from fresh fruit and vegetables, and the minerals found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples or carrots, deserve special mention, as they provide us with a double benefit. As well as being rich in vitamins and minerals, they help to clean our teeth and stimulate the production of saliva, which helps to neutralise acids in the mouth.

Age-related changes in oral health

However, as we grow older, there are a series of changes in our mouth and teeth that we must take into account in order to adopt the necessary measures to preserve good oral health.

One of these common changes associated with age is xerostomia or a decrease in salivary secretions. This alteration leads to a reduction in the protective effects of saliva in the oral cavity, which increases the probability of suffering tooth decay or other alterations such as dysphagia.

In addition, the presence of simultaneous pathologies that require multiple medication is very common in the elderly. Medications such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics or diuretics, as well as those aimed at controlling hypertension or preventing bronchodilation, often have, as a side effect, a decrease in saliva production.

For this reason, adequate hydration, together with a healthy and balanced diet, are essential to preserve oral health. Conversely, insufficient fluid intake and an inadequate diet can affect the functional capacity of the mouth and favour the development of various oral diseases.

Nutrition tips for people with prostheses

We must also bear in mind that edentulism or tooth loss and denture replacements, whether total or partial, can cause problems in the functionality of the mouth when chewing, biting or swallowing food, which can have a direct impact on the person’s diet and nutritional status.

In this sense, at Lura Care we recommend following a series of tips for a good adaptation to the prosthesis. In addition to the specific measures for the adaptation of dentures in the mouth, aimed at a good fit and the reduction of possible discomfort, we must remember the role played by diet.

Our recommendation is to follow a series of dietary phases during the denture adaptation process, starting with a light diet of liquid and semi-liquid foods after insertion, and gradually incorporating other foods until a normal and complete diet can be resumed after a few days.

As we have seen, the role of nutrition is essential for oral health, especially in the case of the elderly and the influence with other pathologies. A balanced diet, together with appropriate regular hygiene habits and regular dental check-ups, will be our best allies in maintaining the optimal health of our mouth and teeth.