The digestion of food begins in the mouth. Your digestive system moves foods along the digestive tract and breaks down foods so your body can absorb and use the nutrients in foods. The health of your teeth, which helps break down foods, is important to how well your digestive system processes foods.
Digestive System
Your digestive system begins in your mouth and ends at your anus. Muscles move food through the digestive tract as your digestive system breaks down the food for absorption of the nutrients your body needs for healthy growth, development and maintenance. The process of breaking down food begins with the work of the enzyme amylase in saliva, which starts breaking down some carbs in food being chewed. Saliva moistens the food and works with the muscles in your tongue and mouth to move the food into your pharynx, which is the throat passageway through which food and air travel.
Function of Teeth
Different types of teeth have different functions in eating and preparing foods for your digestive system. Your incisors, which are located at the front of your mouth, are the sharpest teeth and are shaped like shovels because they cut food and push it to the back of your mouth. Your canine teeth, located in the corners of your mouth, have long roots to support grasping and tearing food. Located behind your canine teeth are the premolars, which have a chewing surface that is flattened for crushing food. Your molars are located in the back of your mouth, where their larger, flatter surfaces grind and chew food into smaller pieces.
Problems
Pain, misalignment, infections, gum disease, and failure to brush and floss correctly can prevent proper chewing and breakdown of foods, and slow down your digestion. Missing teeth can affect alignment and the stability of remaining teeth. Partially chewed food, because of pain or missing teeth, can result in partial digestion of food and insufficient absorption of nutrients by your body. Pain caused by unhealthy teeth can lead to avoidance of some foods, such as nutritious fruits and vegetables. The loss of nutrients can include those used to build and maintain healthy teeth and gums, which can result in more oral health problems.
Prevention
The American Dental Association, or ADA, recommends good oral health practices to prevent gum disease and keep teeth healthy. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss your teeth thoroughly at least daily and use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque. The ADA also recommends regular dental exams and cleanings, and eating a healthy diet with limits on snacking. You should see your dentist if you notice symptoms that indicate problems with your teeth or gums, such as loose teeth, changes in teeth alignment or swollen, bleeding or receding gums.
Tips and Warnings
Ask your dentist about proper brushing and flossing methods. The condition of full or partial dentures is important to digestion in the same ways as natural teeth. Dental appliances, which require periodic re-lining or replacement, should be cleaned daily and checked twice a year for fit, damage and alignment.
References
- KidsHealth.org: Digestive System
- HealthyTeeth.org: Teeth and Gums -- Different Kinds of Teeth
- Greenway Dental Group: Teeth and Digestion
- American Dental Association: Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums
- MayoClinic.com: Oral Health --- Brush Up On Dental Care Basics
- MayoClinic.com: Denture Care --- How Do I Clean Dentures?
