Oral health is important for general well-being. It is not just a question of hygiene: for 82.3% of Italians, a smile is a declaration of style and attention to beauty, a business card for personal care. But it is not just about aesthetics: according to 78.6%, oral health is also essential for proper nutrition. These are some data that emerge from a study conducted by AstraRicerche and Philips Sonicare, in collaboration with Angelica Cesena, biologist and nutritionist, which also highlights aspects of the relationship between nutrition and oral hygiene.
66.4% of those interviewed – as stated in a note – know that carbonated and energy drinks can damage tooth enamel due to their acidity; less known is the role of gastroesophageal reflux in dental erosion (58%). 62% recognize the importance of taking supplements and vitamins to strengthen fragile teeth, while 61% are aware of the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 contained in blue fish and dried fruit. While 57.4% know that water helps keep teeth clean by removing any food residue, 47.8% are aware that foods such as crunchy fruit and raw foods – apples, almonds, celery – promote natural tooth cleaning and help prevent cavities. Less than half (46.6%) know that fish, seafood and cheese contain, even if in small quantities, fluoride, which is essential for dental health. As for the gums, only 33.1% recognize the anti-inflammatory power of kiwis and that this fruit also combats the yellowing of tooth enamel.
Some misconceptions persist: 1 in 3 Italians mistakenly believe that carbonated ‘zero’ drinks are not harmful to teeth, while 1 in 4 thinks that drinking water and lemon in the morning on an empty stomach is beneficial for dental health.
“Although research shows the importance of oral hygiene care for the population, especially from an aesthetic point of view – says Cesena – many doubts remain regarding the link between nutrition and dental hygiene. For us nutrition professionals there are certainly many points on which to disseminate and raise public awareness of healthier practices. An example is the belief that zero drinks cannot cause problems given the absence of sugar, or the misinformation that calcium can only be found in milk and dairy products”.
Simone Marcucci, Media & Pr Manager, Philips Personal Health Italy, Israel and Greece, adds: “A smile is the first business card – he underlines – Our research confirms that, for the majority of Italians, oral health is closely linked to overall well-being. Raising awareness of the link between diet and oral health is essential to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent future problems. Furthermore, we are committed to educating consumers on the benefits of the electric toothbrush, a true ally for daily oral care, capable of ensuring healthy teeth and – he concludes – a smile that is always shining”.
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