Abstract
The mouth is the starting point of the gastrointestinal tract, yet the relationship between oral health, nutrition and digestive health is often overlooked.
In this session, specialist gastrointestinal dietitian Kirsten Jackson explores how nutrition connects oral and gut health, from the role of chewing and saliva in digestion to the impact of oral health on food choices, dietary diversity and nutritional adequacy.
We will examine the role of key nutrients and dietary patterns in supporting both oral and digestive health, including fiber, calcium, vitamin D and hydration. The session will also explore where nutritional recommendations overlap and where they may differ, such as the consumption of acidic fruits, snacking frequency and food textures.
Drawing on current scientific evidence and practical examples, this session will equip healthcare professionals with a greater understanding of the relationship between oral health and nutrition, alongside practical dietary strategies to support health from mouth to gut.
