Nutrition and how it affects your mouth

Nutrition and your Mouth

10 September 2018

Poor diet and nutrition affects your overall health (the mouth being part of this). Continuing education ensures that I and the Port Kennedy Dental Group maintain and broaden knowledge, expertise and competence in Dentistry. As part of this I recently refreshed my knowledge on nutrition and the mouth.

Nutritional deficiencies can affect the mouth. Some symptoms and signs can give a dentist an idea of what deficiencies may be present. Although this can be very difficult as many deficiencies share similar signs, symptoms and often more than one deficiency may be present.

Vitamin B

• Vitamin B is a common deficiency. It may be suggested by some of the following:
• • Reddened, swollen tongue with texture changes,
• • Patients experiencing burning mouth sensation,
• • Cracked, infected sores at the corners of the mouth,
• • Sore inflammed lining of the mouth (mucosa),
• • Frequent ulcers in the mouth,
• • Redness of the gums.

Folic Acid

• Folic Acid deficiencies may be suggested by some of the following:
• • Reddened, swollen tongue,
• • Patients experiencing burning mouth sensation,
• • Cracked, infected sores at the corners of the mouth.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C deficiencies may be suggested when the gums are red swollen and easily bleed. This was called scurvy in the days of Captain Cook and was prevented by daily intake of citrus fruits.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A deficiencies may be suggested when dry mouth symptoms and a reduction in saliva is present.

Iron

• Iron is the second most common nutritional deficiency in Australia. It may suggested by some of the following:
• • Smoother surface on the tongue, which may be reddened and inflamed,
• • Patients experiencing burning mouth sensation,
• • Cracked, infected sores at the corners of the mouth,
• • Difficulty in swallowing,
• • Frequent ulcers in the mouth,
• • Pale colour of tissues in the mouth if anaemia is present,
• • Sometimes pre-cancerous growths may be present.

Risk Groups

• Certain groups of patients may be more susceptible to deficiencies. These may include:
• • Patients with eating disorders,
• • Elderly patients,
• • Alcoholics,
• • Vegetarians, Vegans,
• • Gastrointestinal diseases,
• • Diabetics,
• • Patients taking certain medications.

Nutrition is considered during a dental examination

During a dental examination signs and symptoms as described above are taken into consideration. Any sign and symptom cannot by itself tell if a deficiency is present. Other diseases and conditions may share similar symptoms and signs. But when present, further investigation is required.