Nutrition Counseling

 

Many individuals may be wondering what role a pediatric dentist plays in nutritional counseling… The truth is pediatric dentists are among the first-line medical practitioners to recognize what exactly is going on inside the body during the development stages. For instance, the mouth is the entry way connecting oral health throughout the rest of the body.  Dental care should not be limited by scope of practice to only the mouth, since dentists can become aware of so much more given the clear relationship between dietary factors and the association to conditions like obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes and more. It is a pediatric dentist who first becomes aware of these potential issues, offering insight and solutions which can lead to optimal overall health.

 

Eating Well for a Healthy Mouth: Oral Health & Nutrition

 

Teeth are essential for biting and chewing food. Therefore, one’s diet is directly correlated and contributes to their physical growth and oral health. Vitamins and water are key elements to building strong teeth which in turn are used as tools in the digestive process.  Proper diet and nutrition in addition to avoiding sugary drinks and foods which do not contain substantial nutrients are essential to maintaining overall health. Pediatric dentists should be paying close attention to their patient’s nutritional status, since oral health and eating are so closely linked.

 

Canton and Wooster Pediatric Dental Centers understands the importance of this concept which is why we provide nutritional counseling as an intricate part of a patient’s treatment plan.  To help patients improve their diet without taking on the role of a dietitian, pediatric dentists, like all other health professionals, must possess basic nutritional knowledge and be familiar with the physiological processes at play, as well as the effects of nutrition on the body. Our dentists are proficient in assessing and guiding patients from as early as 12 months old through adulthood.

 

What Everyone Should Expect Through Nutritional Counseling

 

When a patient visits a dentist for the first time, a nutritional analysis will capture a broader idea of the patient’s oral health and help in determining the likelihood of successful treatment (e.g., the capacity of tissues to regenerate, support a prosthesis or fight an infection). Such an investigation may also reveal eating habits that appear to be damaging or for other reasons, harmful to the patient’s general health (like, undernourishment, too much fat or not enough fiber, a soft diet or an overconsumption of prepared foods with little nutritional value). Even if a dentist cannot provide full nutritional counseling, our doctors will advise patients of any concerns, offer advice and refer them to the appropriate health professionals.

 

Our successful nutritional guidance program will help patients to achieve greater health benefits and lifelong smiles.