Dental Health Education OutlineMegan Smith and Chandler Ray

I. Introduction: Hi our names are Megan Smith and Chandler Ray. We are Dietetic Interns at the University of Maryland College Park and we hope to soon become Registered Dietitians! New research suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. Today we are here to talk to you about how eating a nutritious diet and dental health go hand in hand.

II. Overview of poor oral health conditionsa.) Gum disease: Caused by plaque buildup. Made worst by food particles stuck in the teeth, use of tobacco products, poorly fitting bridges and dentures, poor oral diet, and some other diseases and conditions. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss!b.) Teeth decay: Caused by exposure of the tooth root to acid containing foods! We will talk about these acid-containing foods in a bit!c.) Dry mouth: Caused by reduced saliva. Dry mouth can be a side effect of many medications; it can also be a side effect of certain cancer treatments.d.) Talk to your doctor or dentist about any mouth related conditions you may be experiencing.

III. How are nutrition and Dental health related?a.) Your mouth is the initial point of contact between you and food (nutrients).b.) The mouth, teeth, and gums are essential to chewing and swallowing food. c.) The foods you eat and beverages you drink can directly influence the progression of tooth decay.d.) New research suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. (Emphasize this point more than once)

IV. Foods that can harm dental healtha.) Foods such as candy, baked goods, and cookies offer limited nutritional value. The sugar in these foods can adhere to the teeth. Beverages such as soda, lemonade, juice and sweetened coffee or tea can also cause sugar to stick to the teeth. Bacteria in the mouth can feed of this sugar, leading to tooth decay.

(talk about these topics slowly)

b.) High acidic foods and beverages can also contribute to tooth decay. Limit soda in the diet. When eating healthy acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus, eat them as a part of a meal to reduce the harmful effects of the acid on the teeth.

V. Foods that are beneficial to Dental Healtha.) Calcium and Phosphorus are the two most important mineral needed to protect the enamel of the teeth.b.) Find Calcium in: yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, milk, and cheese.c.) Find phosphorus in: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and nuts such as almondsd.) Vitamins C and Vitamins A are crucial vitamins to prevent gum diseasee.) Find Vitamin C in: peppers, dark green leafy veggies, kiwi, broccoli, berries, cooked tomatoes, fruit juice and peasf.) Find Vitamin A in: sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, carrots, squash, romaine lettuce, dried apricots, cantaloupe, and tuna fishg.) BONUS: Fruits and vegetables are always a good choice because they can help stimulate saliva production! Saliva assists in swallowing foods. It also helps to wash harmful acids and food particles away from the teeth.

VI. How can you maintain good dental health? a.) Using fluoridated toothpaste, brush teeth using an electric toothbrush for two to three minutes at a time, two times per day!b.) Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush cant reach!c.) Visit your dentist on a regular schedule to prevent tooth decay and gum disease before they start! If you wear dentures make sure your doctor does an exam to make sure your dentures fit properly!