Nutritional Counseling for Tooth Decay

Overseen By Tami Terri

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Loma Linda University

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Less than 20 teeth

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

100 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Nutritional Counseling for Tooth Decay?

Research suggests that nutritional counseling can improve oral health by addressing diet and nutrition issues, which are linked to oral diseases like tooth decay. By identifying and managing nutrition deficiencies, dental professionals can enhance treatment success and promote better oral health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is nutritional counseling safe for humans?

Nutritional counseling is generally considered safe for humans. It involves providing guidance on diet and nutrition to improve health, and there is no evidence suggesting it poses any safety risks. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

How does nutritional counseling differ from other treatments for tooth decay?

Nutritional counseling is unique because it focuses on adjusting a person's diet to prevent and control tooth decay, rather than using medications or dental procedures. It emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition and reducing highly cariogenic (cavity-causing) foods like sucrose, which can help maintain oral health and prevent dental diseases. ^{1 3 6 9 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of nutritional counselling on added sugar consumption, frequency of snacking and caries experiences expressed as Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth score (DMFT).

Research Team

So Ran Kwon, DDS, MS, PhD, MS

Principal Investigator

Loma Linda University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who can read and speak English, are willing to follow the study rules, and are available during the study period. It's designed for those with tooth decay issues like cavities or extensively decayed primary molars.

Inclusion Criteria

I will follow the study's rules and procedures.

I am available for the duration of the study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Baseline Assessment

Participants provide personal health history and undergo an oral examination to assess dental health through a DMFT score. Daily added sugar consumption is calculated using the 'Sugar Intake calculator'.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants in the intervention group receive nutritional counseling using Stephan's curve. All participants track daily snacking frequency and type/amount of snacks.

2 weeks

Follow-up

Participants return for a follow-up to evaluate changes in dental health, sugar consumption, and snacking habits.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Nutritional Counseling

Trial Overview The trial is testing a nutritional counseling tool aimed at reducing sugar intake and snacking frequency. The effectiveness will be measured by changes in participants' Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Visual assessment of DMFT, added sugar consumption calculation, frequency of snacking calculation, plus Stephan's Curve-based nutritional counseling.

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Visual assessment of DMFT, added sugar consumption calculation, frequency of snacking calculation.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Loma Linda University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

322

Recruited

267,000+

Findings from Research

Nutrition status and oral health are closely linked, with malnutrition potentially affecting tissue integrity and recovery from infections, highlighting the importance of nutrition screening in dental practices.

Implementing a nutrition screening program in dental settings can lead to improved oral and overall health, better treatment outcomes, and enhanced communication with patients regarding their dietary needs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical and laboratory assessment of nutrition status in dental practice. Touger-Decker, R.[2019]

Nutrition plays a crucial role in oral health, with deficiencies like vitamin B impacting dental health and potentially worsening conditions like periodontal disease.

Dentists and hygienists can help identify patients at risk for nutritional deficiencies through examinations and provide guidance on healthy eating and reputable nutrient supplements.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutrition and oral health. Dorsky, R.[2006]

Dental healthcare providers should expand their understanding of 'dental nutrition' to include not just the impact of food on dental diseases like cavities and gum disease, but also the overall nutritional health of their patients.

The article reviews recent nutrition guidelines from major U.S. health organizations and evaluates how these recommendations can be applied to improve the dietary habits of dental patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutrition update for the dental health professional. Karp, WB.[2005]

Older dental patients are at a higher risk of malnutrition due to various factors, including oral impairments that affect their ability to eat, which can lead to a decline in nutrition.

Dental teams should actively screen for nutritional risk factors and provide tailored dietary guidance to help patients maintain adequate nutrition, including referrals to registered dietitians when necessary.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gerodontic nutrition and dietary counseling for prosthodontic patients. Palmer, CA.[2019]

Patients with complex medical histories often face high nutritional risks that can negatively affect their oral health, highlighting the need for better nutritional assessment in dental care.

Dental hygienists play a crucial role in identifying patients who need nutritional intervention, enabling them to provide counseling and referrals that can enhance both oral and overall health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Guidelines for nutrition screening, assessment, and intervention in the dental office. Boyd, LD., Dwyer, JT.[2016]

Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in oral health, as oral tissues depend on the nutrients derived from food for their health and function.

Incorporating diet and nutrition counseling into dental care programs is essential for preventing and managing oral diseases linked to nutritional deficiencies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dietary and nutritional counseling in the prevention and control of oral disease. Dreizen, S.[2008]

Nutritional care plays a crucial role in preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases, especially as these issues are increasingly affecting younger individuals due to modern lifestyle factors.

The author proposes a new approach to assess dietary influences on dental health, aiming to identify specific nutritional factors that contribute to caries and provide tailored dietary advice for individuals already experiencing tooth decay.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Nutritional care and guidance in caries active patients]. Wetzel, WE.[2016]

Dental professionals can play a crucial role in identifying children at high risk for nutritional and oral health issues, particularly those born prematurely or with conditions like failure to thrive and developmental delays.

The study provides specific nutrition and oral health guidelines to help dental practitioners implement preventive interventions for these vulnerable children.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Managing oral health related nutrition issues of high risk infants and children. Boyd, LD., Palmer, C., Dwyer, JT.[2004]

Good nutrition is essential for maintaining healthy dental and oral structures, and nutrition counseling can help prevent dental diseases like caries caused by poor dietary choices.

The paper emphasizes the role of sucrose as a highly cariogenic food and discusses the importance of fluoride supplementation and collaboration between physicians and dentists to effectively prevent dental issues.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutrition and its importance in dental health. Braham, RL., Barkin, PR., Morris, ME., et al.[2013]

A survey of 79 dental nutrition experts revealed a lack of consensus on the appropriate scope of nutrition services in clinical dentistry, highlighting the need for standardized guidelines.

The study emphasizes the importance of diet assessment and counseling as key elements of preventive dental care, suggesting that improving nutrition services could enhance patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Expert opinions on nutrition issues in clinical dentistry. Palmer, CA., Dwyer, J., Clark, RE.[2015]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical and laboratory assessment of nutrition status in dental practice. [2019]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutrition and oral health. [2006]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutrition update for the dental health professional. [2005]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gerodontic nutrition and dietary counseling for prosthodontic patients. [2019]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Guidelines for nutrition screening, assessment, and intervention in the dental office. [2016]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dietary and nutritional counseling in the prevention and control of oral disease. [2008]

7. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Nutritional care and guidance in caries active patients]. [2016]

8. Singapore pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Managing oral health related nutrition issues of high risk infants and children. [2004]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutrition and its importance in dental health. [2013]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Expert opinions on nutrition issues in clinical dentistry. [2015]