Nutrition And Your Teeth

The condition and flora of the oral cavity can change when there are deficiency in the diet. Alteration of the lips, oral tissues and the bone can be noted when your diet has dramatically changed.

Vitamin A deficiency: there will be a possible increase in infection in bone growth, abnormality in the central nervous system and possible blindness can result. There can be a retardation in the growth of teeth, possibly causing occlusal problems. There will be a hypercalcification of the bone. Cuts in the mouth will also take longer to heal.

Too much Vitamin A: Osteoporosis will occur. Ulcers in the mouth are more common. Lip will crack more often due to loss of "skin" on the lip.

Vitamin B deficiency: Within the B Vitamins are: Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (2), Nicotinic acid (Niacin), Pyridoxine (B6), Folic acid (Folacin), Cyanocobalamin (B12) and others. The following cause are usually a combination of the B Vitamin deficiencies: Gingivitis, glossitis (large tongue), angular cheilitis (tear present at the corner of your lips) and inflammation of your mouth in general.

Vitamin C deficiency: Also know as Ascorbic acid the most common deficiency known as "Scurvy". Characterized by predisposition to hemorrhagic condition and retardation of wound healing.

Vitamin D deficiency: Calcium and phosphorus maintain the formation of teeth and bones. There can be a resorption of the bones therefore causing periodontitis (loss of bone=loss of teeth).

Too much Vitamin D: Can causenausea, vomitting, diarrhea and could be fatal if high dose are continuous.

Vitamin E deficiency: None of grave concern.

Protein deficiency: There will be a marked muscular atrophy, therefore weakness, weight loss, anemia, edema (swelling) impaired lactation in women and a decresed resistance to infections. Slow wound healing and a reduced ability to form certain hormones and enzymes. Atrophy of the tongue is common.

Always Your Choice is proud to acknowledge Dr. Michael Farahnick for his authorship in the dental articles. Dr. Farahnick is a practitioner of Dentistry, including both prevention and treatment. His practice involves all age groups and he has expertise in the area of accomodating the patient who has dental fears. He also is an instructor of dentistry at New York University School of Dentistry. We are proud to refer to Dr. Farahnick and he has become the dentist of many of our patients at the office. His contribution to our web site is greatly appreciated.

Dr. Michael Farahnick's office is located at: 405 Lexington Avenue (The Chrysler Building) Suite 6900 New York, NY 10174 - 0360 His office may be reached at : 212 - 557 - 1234 E-mail:softstick@tiac.net