The Asian diet is not as rich in protein, fat, or calories compared with the typical American menu. In many ways, the Asian diet is healthier than fatty American cuisine. Riboflavin deficiency may cause painful lesions at the corners of the mouth. When teeth are present, vitamin C deficiency can adversely affect the health of the gum tissue, causing it to be red and irritated. This condition is called scurvy and it is extremely rare in developed countries.
Dentists debate whether scurvy can cause tooth loss.
These nutritional deficiencies are usually reversible if balanced nutrition is quickly restored. It is well known that preponderate sugar or starch diets promote cavities when food is not promptly removed from tooth surfaces. Soft candies, like toffee and caramel, are less cariogenic because they are rinsed from teeth by saliva. Interestingly, bananas, corn chips, and rice are actually some of the stickiest foods. Tooth decay is rampant in many Asian countries.