# Nutritional Factors Associated with Dental Caries across the Lifespan: A Review
## 4 Effects of Poor Nutrition on Oral Health and Dental Caries  
Nutrition exerts a profound impact on oral health, with malnutrition notably exacerbating periodontal and oral infectious diseases during this phase [44]. However, the most prominent influence of nutrition on dental health manifests through the local effects of the diet within the oral cavity, specifically concerning the development of dental caries and enamel erosion [45]. A suboptimal diet can significantly contribute to the onset of tooth decay and gum disease [12; 44]. Consumption of foods rich in starch, sugars, and carbohydrates can elevate plaque acid levels, precipitating cariogenic attacks. Beyond dental caries, nutritional factors may also play a role in the development of various dental and oral mucosal pathologies [17]. Protein deficiencies, for instance, may be associated with delayed tooth eruption and salivary gland dysfunction. Additionally, a deficiency in vitamin A may lead to impaired epithelial tissue development, tooth formation, and enamel hypoplasia, thereby laying the groundwork for the prevalence of caries [46]. Vitamin C is also a pivotal player in gingival well-being and is essential for collagen production, a protein crucial in maintaining gum integrity. A dietary regimen rich in vitamin C is therefore integral in averting gum disease [47]. Calcium, another essential mineral, assumes responsibility for fortifying teeth and bones, fostering enamel strength, and mitigating the risk of tooth decay. Calcium deficiency not only weakens tooth enamel but also precipitates other oral health issues, including periodontal disease and tooth loss. Nutrient inadequacies, especially those pivotal to bone health, increase the susceptibility to bone loss and subsequent osteoporosis. The intricate process of bone formation demands a consistent supply of nutrients, such as calcium, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, potassium, and fluoride [48; 49]. Concurrently, the role of natural and free sugars, encompassing sucrose, glucose, and fructose, assumes prominence as primary contributors to caries development. Sucrose, a disaccharide comprising glucose and fructose, stands out for its heightened cariogenic potential [50]. An array of nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, actively contribute to bone and hard dental tissues health. A healthy and balanced diet, characterized by the inclusion of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins, inherently provides the essential nutrients indispensable for maintaining robust and functional bones and teeth [45; 49]. Moreover, phosphorus has emerged as a critical element in caries inhibition, acting as a natural protector and remineralizer of tooth enamel, while zinc, an essential mineral, plays a vital role in gum health. A diminished uptake of zinc may escalate the risk of periodontal disease and subsequent tooth loss [51]. Thus, persistent poor dietary quality is linked to the emergence of oral health issues later in life. Notably, oral health problems, such as tooth loss, periodontal disease, and dry mouth, are pervasive conditions among older individuals (\(\geq\)65 years) and exert a substantial impact on both oral and general health [46; 49; 50]. The intricate interplay of micronutrients in dental caries, encompassing their nutritional sources and deficiency effects, is systematically presented in Table 3.