Evidence directly links dietary intake, nutritional deficiencies, and oral health. While high caloric intake is an obvious factor, inadequate micronutrient intake is a growing problem. Dental professionals are uniquely situated to identify many nutritional shortcomings and frank deficiencies—however, many feel inadequately prepared to do so. This fact-filled, thought-provoking course explores the most current science and the relationship between dietary patterns, macronutrients, micronutrients, and oral health.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the current evidence for micronutrient deficiencies, including at-risk populations.
• Identify the oral presentation of key micronutrient deficiencies.
• Describe the relationship between glycemic index/load, diabetes, and oral health.
• Discuss the impact of dietary patterns (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, Mediterranean, etc.) on oral and overall health.