Ah, what to eat.
It’s a question we ask ourselves at least three times a day. More, for some people. Sometimes it’s the basis of an entire weekend that constitutes little else, except pyjamas and a streaming service.
Devastatingly, for too many people right now in the world, it’s not a question of choice but availability. All in the hands of others with private chefs, never-missed meals and personal wealth that not only disconnects, but decisively severs them from the realities and concerns of those being killed, maimed and forever psychologically damaged under their watch.
It’s more inhumane than it is complicated; we’ve grown more immune to atrocity since the evening news first showed blood in (un)living colour in 1975. This decade delay for Australia was multitudinous: the focus on adopting the PAL-D system, transmitter and production upgrade costs, and the desire for limited dependence on imported TV tech. The population in 1971 was only 13 million; it was going to take big bucks to broadcast across its land of sweeping plains.
The advent of TV changed the way we spent our time, and our eating habits. Across the globe, it became more informal in style; almost permanently moving dinner from the kitchen or dining room table, onto laps in the lounge-room. Or tacky fold-out TV trays. Meals morphed into easier one-utensil affairs.
As an art form and communications medium, television became big business. It changed the world; which is how General David Sarnoff explained its official unveiling at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. However, it exceeded his and everyone else’s imaginings at the time.
Unlike Alexander Graham Bell’s considerations of the telephone. In 1878 it was said – variously attributed to him, and British reporter Kate Field – that eventually, “While two persons, hundreds of miles apart, are talking together, they will actually see each other.”
Thirteen years after that, AT&T chief engineer and Electrical Review writer John J. Carty predicted, “A system of telephony without wires seems one of the interesting possibilities, and the distance on the earth through which it is possible to speak is theoretically limited only by the curvation of the earth.”
Bell was a mixed bag of science, business and questionable beliefs. Apparently his favourite foods were lobster and lemon meringue custard. Sequentially of course; he’s a controversial figure, not a culinary clown. What he didn’t have was mortuusequusphobia – mentioned only because who knew there was an actual word for a fear of ketchup? (Known as ‘dead horse’ – rhyming slang for sauce – in Australia. Which sounds much more phobia-worthy.)
Ketchup, catsup, tomato sauce, dead horse; whatever you want to call it, whether or not it fits the category of those who choose a plant-based diet depends on how technical you want to get.
Although they’re all made of tomatoes, salt, vinegar and spices, it’s the sugar that comes into question. Turns out that not all sugar is created equally vegan. For a lot of it, the bleaching process is filtering it through bone char – the charred bone of cattle. It takes the colour out of raw sugar; and it’s impossible to know whether that’s what’s happened to the sugar in that particular bottle just from reading the label.
Some companies have changed to using granular activated carbon because it’s made from various organic materials, like coal and wood. You’re likely to have to rabbit-hole research that one, and no doubt follow a wascawwy trail that would make Elmer Fudd proud.
Honey sweetened products are a vegan no-go of course; so along with certified organic brands using organic sugar, the option is those that use high fructose corn sugar.
Which like the aforementioned AGB, has its controversies.
Most things do, really. Including the type of diet that’s beneficial for oral health. Plant based eating is no fad – it’s been a cultural and religious staple across the world for centuries. Interestingly, those who practice it like Rastafarians, Indians and Israelis for example, aren’t without their oral health issues.
In terms of vegans or vegetarians, the basis of ‘plant’ should come from vegetables, rather than grains. Wheat, rice, corn and other grains typically contain plant-defence chemicals, which irritate the immune system and can cause long-term health damage. Naturally, any impact on immunity affects oral health. As far as low-carb goes and vegetables being carbohydrates, the more intact the fibre, the slower it takes for the sugars to enter the bloodstream. Vegetable fibre can actually carry much of the food sugar into the large intestine, feeding healthy bacteria and improving gut microbiome.
Having balanced gut microorganisms is sometimes – although not always – indicative of healthy oral microbiota. Imperative in the healthy mouth stakes; and not a given in the plant based diet ones.
As a means of supporting animal welfare and the environment, plant based is a highly commendable lifestyle. Nonetheless, from the human health aspect, there can be deficiencies. Namely vitamins B12 and D; omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium and zinc. Important nutrients for healthy teeth and gums. Without them, oral issues like cracked lips, mouth sores, and a burning tongue can result. Which is not to say that a carnivore inclusive diet doesn’t have its issues – just ask a cardiologist.
A low-carb diet is prone to causing bad breath and dry mouth. Bad breath is often an imbalance of oral microbiome; and while it has its negative social consequences, it’s not as damaging as having xerostomia. Lack of saliva increases pathogenic bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Drinking plenty of water and chewing xylitol gum can help, but the more useful solution really, is dealing with the cause rather than the symptoms.
Is there a definitive dietary answer for maintaining oral health?
Maybe not, with genetics playing a significant role. Sleep deficit, stress, alcohol consumption, smoking and vaping are detrimental: food choices don’t necessarily exclude them. Certainly a diet rich in wholefoods, fresh produce and low, low, low in ultra processed foods absolutely supports having strong teeth and firm, pink gums.
The most assured way of staying on top of your oral health is by keeping regular appointments with your dentist. Adhere to their professional advice, and uphold an at home routine of effective and efficient brushing and flossing techniques.
There’s nothing controversial about that.
