Nutrition now in the spotlight of oral health

Australia’s leading body for nutrition experts has partnered with Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) to release a joint position statement on oral health and nutrition.

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) said the position statement, which is being launched today at the DAA National Conference in Melbourne, emphasises the important role of dietitians in promoting good oral health in day-to-day work.

The DAA CEO Claire Hewat and DHSV CEO Dr Deborah Cole agreed that there is a clear lifelong synergy between diet and oral health.

‘Nutrition and diet affect the development and progression of oral diseases – the two are naturally linked. If we improve what a person eats, their dental health will also improve,’ said Ms Hewat, an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Dr Cole highlighted that problems that occur in the mouth can negatively influence the ability and desire to bite, chew and swallow food.

‘The data tells us that oral health conditions are the second most expensive disease group to treat, after cardiovascular disease, with $8.7 billion spent Australia-wide on dental treatments in 2012-13,’ said Dr Cole.

This position statement highlights the benefits of two industry bodies working collaboratively to improve patient outcomes.

‘There is now increasing evidence that oral health is strongly linked with major chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke, as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes,’ said Ms Hewat.

Both CEOs agree that dietitians are well placed to play a role in addressing oral health.

The position statement includes practical information for Accredited Practising Dietitians, including an overview of oral health risk factors, a summary of protective features of the diet, and a guide on oral health and nutrition through the life stages.

Evelyn Volders, an Accredited Practising Dietitian and member of the working group that developed the statement said dietitians employed in community and public health settings are often working with groups at high risk of poor oral health and also chronic illness.

‘Dietitians can and should incorporate simple strategies into their work and collaborate closely with oral health professionals to support and encourage optimal oral health,’ said Ms Volders.

The position statement draws on the National Oral Health Plan, the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Infant Feeding Guidelines.

ENDS

For further information, to organise an interview or to access an image, contact Maree Hall, Dietitians Association of Australia, on 0408 482 581, or Suzana Talevski, Dental Health Services Victoria on 0407 961 413.