[PHNUTR-L] Tufts professor chews on the nutrition-oral health connection

[Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD]

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Public release date: 7-Dec-2005
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-12/tu-fso_1120705.php

Contact: Siobhan Gallagher
617-636-6586
Tufts University

Tufts professor chews on the nutrition-oral health connection

Friedman School of Tufts: Nutrition notes

Sitting and snacking on treats in front of the television for several 
hours a day increases a child's risk of developing … dental decay? Many 
would probably have finished that sentence with the word, "obesity." 
Actually, both versions are correct, according to Carole A. Palmer, EdD, 
RD, professor of general dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental 
Medicine. In an article entitled, "Dental Caries and Obesity in 
Children: Different Problems, Related Causes," Palmer shares some 
insights about possible relationships between obesity and dental decay 
in children.

"When children watch a lot of TV, they tend to snack more frequently, 
particularly on foods that are high in fat and/or sugar," Palmer, also a 
professor at Tufts' Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, 
explains. "This not only increases their overall caloric intake, which 
we know can lead to obesity, but it also increases their risk of 
developing tooth decay because the amount of time food is in contact 
with the teeth increases."

"It is the usage pattern of certain foods and beverages, not the total 
consumption, that is associated with an increased risk of tooth decay in 
children," Palmer explains. "In that way, the cause of dental disease in 
children does differ slightly from that of obesity, but both diseases 
clearly share common denominators." Childhood obesity and dental decay 
result from complex interactions among several factors. "Many of the 
contributing factors are rooted in evolving changes in lifestyle and 
environment, including changes in physical activity and school food 
services," writes Palmer.

"A number of schools have reduced their physical activity programs," 
Palmer observes. "And parents are hesitant to allow their children to 
play outdoors because of concerns about safety. As a result, children 
are spending more time engaged in sedentary indoor activities, 
especially television viewing."

Palmer extends the comparison by noting that both childhood obesity and 
dental cavities are nearly twice as likely to affect Americans with 
lower income, those with less education, and those of specific ethnic 
groups.

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), while prevalence of dental decay in permanent teeth 
decreased in the overall population between 1988-1994 and 1999-2002, 
prevalence of decay in baby teeth among preschool-aged children (2-5 
years) did not decline. Among children aged two to eleven years, 
prevalence of tooth decay was approximately five percent higher among 
Black, non-Hispanic children and 17 percent higher among 
Mexican-American children than among White, non-Hispanic children. More 
than half of children from families with incomes below the Federal 
Poverty Level (FPL) had tooth decay, compared to less than one third of 
those from families with incomes that were at least double the FPL.

Soft drinks and fruit juices, which are consumed in many households and 
are readily accessible in many school vending machines, represent 
another high sugar source that may contribute to the potential for tooth 
decay. Palmer cautions that even diet soft drinks, when consumed 
frequently, can pose a risk because the acid content of these beverages 
can damage tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.

"The dental team should be in the forefront in promoting good nutrition 
for general health and oral health by informing caregivers and parents 
about the importance of integrating healthful snack and meal patterns 
into their oral hygiene practices," Palmer concludes.
###
Palmer, CA. Quintessence International. 2005; 36(6):457-461. "Dental 
caries and obesity in children: Different problems, related causes."

Beltrán-Aguilar ED, Barker LK, Canto MT, Dye BA, Gooch BF, Griffin SO, 
Hyman F, Jaramillo F, Kingman A, Nowjack-Raymer R, Selwitz RH, Wu T. 
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Surveillance Summaries (CDC). 
August 26, 2005; 54 (SS-3): 1-44. "Surveillance for dental caries, 
dental sealants, tooth retention, edentulism, and enamel 
fluorosis--United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2002."
-- 
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar at nutritionucanlivewith.com >
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