Starch linked to dental caries

In a study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, investigators used data from a validated semistructed 128-item foot frequency questionnaire to evaluate the intake of starches such as potatoes, potato products, roots and tubers, refined grains, pasta, whole grains and legumes among 1,679 participants aged 30 years and older. Subsequent dental examinations assessed the prevalence of decayed, missing or filled teeth among the participants.

After a follow-up of 11 years, the investigators found that although the rate of decayed, missing or filled teeth increased over the study period, total starch intake was not correlated with a change in this rate. However, the intake of pasta was found to be negatively associated with decayed, missing or filled teeth scores at baseline but not with a change in the rate over time.

In a report on the findings from PracticeUpdate, experts suggested that dentists should encourage their patients to consume more vegetables, fruits, wholegrains and legumes to improve overall well-being.

Read more: Journal of Public Health Dentistry

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