INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIET QUALITY AND DENTAL OUTCOMES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES, CARIOGENIC BEHAVIORS, AND PROTECTIVE DIETARY INTERVENTIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/aczwa970Keywords:
Dental health, Diet quality, Nutrition, Dental caries, Periodontal disease, Preventive dentistryAbstract
This systematic review examines the interrelationship between diet quality and dental health outcomes, focusing on nutrient deficiencies, cariogenic dietary behaviors, and protective nutritional interventions. Oral diseases such as dental caries, enamel erosion, and periodontal disease remain among the most prevalent non-communicable conditions worldwide, with diet recognized as a modifiable risk factor influencing both disease initiation and progression. Following the PRISMA guidelines, peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2025 were systematically retrieved from major databases. Evidence was synthesized across three core domains: micronutrient deficiencies affecting tooth integrity and periodontal tissues; dietary patterns and behaviors contributing to cariogenic risk; and protective dietary interventions shown to enhance oral health resilience. Findings indicate that deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and antioxidants are strongly associated with enamel demineralization and periodontal inflammation, while frequent sugar intake and ultra-processed foods exacerbate cariogenic biofilm activity. Conversely, diets rich in dairy products, fibrous foods, and polyphenol-containing items demonstrate protective effects through enhanced remineralization and modulation of the oral microbiome. The review highlights the necessity of integrating nutritional assessment and counseling into preventive dental care and public health strategies. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration between dental professionals and nutrition experts may significantly improve population-level oral health outcomes.
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