Nutrition and dietary intake are part of multifaceted metabolic activities manifested in many human biological systems. My thanks to Ms. Lohiya for providing examples of chemical products available in beverages that initiate and perpetuate changes in oral tissue such as tooth enamel. The dental professional can arrest erosive activity by suggesting behaviors that stimulate production of saliva responsible for neutralizing acidic oral environments.1
Adequate protein, calcium and essential vitamins, such as vitamin B12, along with essential minerals, are important dietary components associated with proper dentition, as well as other organ systems. In Smith’s review,2 it was noted that evidence regarding calcium and bone factures among vegans was inconclusive. Thorpe and colleagues3 recently reported that vegans achieve bone health equal to the status of nonvegans when wrist fractures were compared between these two groups. Dental professionals who promote well-balanced and adequate vegan dietary regimens can contribute to good oral health status.
The scientific evidence supporting the association between oral and general health continues to expand, and your comment in support of the role of dental professionals in promoting good nutrition is appreciated. I thank Ms. Lohiya for her thoughtful comments.
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