Nutrition and Oral Health: At the Micro-Level

General and oral health is strongly modulated by behavioral causes and lifestyle. Everything an individual eats or drinks will contribute to the equation of wellness or illness. The maintenance of homeostatic functions and the prevention of several chronic and debilitating general, i.e., diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, and oral diseases, i.e., dental caries and periodontal diseases, depend on a balanced and nutritious diet. In terms of oral health, the synergistic relationship between diet and nutrition influences the appropriate development of oral and dental tissues, the maintenance of their integrity, and the initiation and progression of oral diseases. The health status of all tissues and anatomical structures within the oral cavity is a determinant factor to maximize the quality of nutrition obtained from a given diet. Therefore, poor oral health can affect individuals' ability to chew and, therefore, compromise dietary choices and nutrient intake.

This collection is dedicated to discussing the various nuances of the relationship between nutrition and oral health, at the microscopic level, and their relationship with systemic and oral chronic diseases. Major interest will be given to the following topics:

1. The impact of malnutrition on salivary flow rate and composition

2. The effect of nutritional impairments on tooth development and mineralization

3. Influence of macronutrient (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and lipids) and micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) intake on oral health

4. Studies evaluating the effect of chronic diseases on oral health. Examples include: Affects of medication on salivary flow and oral health, the effects of dietary restrictions, such as for chronic kidney disease, on oral health