This webpage serves as an infographic to inform the importance of adequate nutrition and good oral hygiene practices! Nutrition is the primary basis of how we obtain energy that is utilized for the body to function correctly. The only nutrients that provide energy for the body are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Foods also provide other nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and most importantly, water. Vitamins and minerals act as catalysts to speed up metabolic processes for energy use and to maintain structure of the body. Nutrition plays a key role in overall oral health because it provides balance in the body, aids in immunity, and maintains periodontal health. Foods that are rich in nutrients provide so many benefits for the oral cavity. For example, vitamins, such as vitamin D, regulates calcium and is responsible for bone and teeth mineralization. Dairy products are rich in vitamin D and ensure proper bone growth and strength in the body. There are various nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that help maintain the mouth's health, and any imbalance of these can result in issues and conditions that can negatively affect oral health. A deficiency or excessive intake of any nutrient can lead to periodontal disease, tooth loss, forms of cancer, cardiovascular issues, and other chronic diseases. With proper nutrition and oral care, majority of these ailments can be prevented.
One nutrient that will be discussed in this webpage is vitamin B1. Vitamin B1 is an important vitamin that is necessary to one's daily diet, as it contributes to energy use, mental stability, and brain function.
So how can one ensure that they are properly attaining enough nutrients in their diet? The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) created MyPlate , which serves as a guide that shows what a serving looks like in a balanced meal. The Website also goes into detail of what a serving of each food group is, including recipes and ideas of how to create a balanced meal. This is a great resource to use as reference to plan out daily meals and to attain proper nutrition from all food groups.
*** Disclaimer: This Website is for educational purposes only, not used for diagnosis or treatment in any way. The opinions on this site do not reflect the opinions of Savannah Technical College or the Savannah Technical College Dental Hygiene Department. ***