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Can Poor Nutrition Cause Tooth Cavities?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Jun 2014
Question: I have a 21 yr old son with numerous cavities that have been filled.Does poor nutrition have any factors on the teeth?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No cavities are related to poor hygiene.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in.

I would like to tell you that poor oral hygiene is the main reason for cavities.
Improper brushing leads to food lodgement which further leads to decay & cavity formation.
Dietary source acts as supplement in maintaining good gingival condition.
Maintain good oral hygiene & visit dentist for further check-up.

Hope I answered your query

Wishing you good health

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (1 hour later)
To the question I asked you about does Poor nutrition affect the teeth? So you,as
a Doctor are saying that nutrition has nothing to do with teeth.Then,you are telling
me nutrition has nothing to do with the human body,am I correct.
Poor nutrition does not affect the body in anyway,like for instance anemia,heart
disease,aging,brittle bones,etc.,etc. Wouldn't your body not getting the right
vitamins,nutrients affect your immune system,causing your teeth to break down,
more often,subjectable to bacteria,gingivitis,infections,blood supply problems !
Then, why has the medical field been preaching to us for years about (proper
nutrition).I find that to be a contradiction!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Poor oral hygiene is chief reason of cavity

Detailed Answer:
Sorry, I think you haven't understood my point.
Let me explain in brief.

There are 3 main factors responsible for tooth decay:-
- food
- bacteria
- time
We cannot control time & oral flora. So we can just clean food by proper brushing & maintaining good hygiene.

You are right nutrition has important role on health. But when we are talking about tooth decay, poor oral hygiene is the main factor. We talk about unhealthy eating habits and not poor nutritional in relation to tooth decay. Example sticky food / chewing gums increases the risk of cavity but if we maintain proper oral hygiene by regular proper brushing & rinsing mouth every time we eat, then very rarely we get cavity.

To some extent vitamin c is linked to oral hygiene but as far as tooth decays is concerned nutrition state plays secondary role which is clinically very insignificant.

Hope I am clear.

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Neha Sumra

Dentist

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 742 Questions

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Can Poor Nutrition Cause Tooth Cavities?

Brief Answer: No cavities are related to poor hygiene. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing in. I would like to tell you that poor oral hygiene is the main reason for cavities. Improper brushing leads to food lodgement which further leads to decay & cavity formation. Dietary source acts as supplement in maintaining good gingival condition. Maintain good oral hygiene & visit dentist for further check-up. Hope I answered your query Wishing you good health Regards Dr. Neha Sumra