Carbs, sugary foods may influence poor oral health: Study
Apr 07, 2022
New Delhi, Apr 7 (ANI): Scientists from the University at Buffalo have found that higher intake of sugary and high glycemic load foods--like doughnuts and other non-fat yoghurts may influence poor oral health and, perhaps, systemic health outcomes in older women due to the influence these foods have on the oral microbiome. The study was published in the journal, 'Scientific Reports'. The team has investigated whether carbohydrates and sucrose or table sugar, were associated with the diversity and composition of oral bacteria in a sample of 1,204 postmenopausal women using data from the Women's Health Initiative. It was the first study to examine carbohydrate intake and the subgingival microbiome in a sample consisting exclusively of postmenopausal women. The study was unique in that the samples were taken from subgingival plaque, which occurs under the gums, rather than salivary bacteria. The research team reported positive associations between total carbohydrates, glycemic load and sucrose and Streptococcus mutans, a contributor to tooth decay and some types of cardiovascular disease, a finding that confirms previous observations. But they also observed associations between carbohydrates and the oral microbiome that are not as well established.
