Nutrition in growth and development of oral tissues.

The development of teeth, salivary glands, and other oral tissues can be seriously compromised by a deficiency of a number of essential nutrients. Because nutritional stress during critical development periods may decrease the ultimate resistance of the oral tissues to challenge, the prevention of disease and maintenance of oral health are intimately dependent on the nutrient supply during development. Appropriate dietary counseling, particularly with reference to critical developmental times and intake of essential nutrients, can insure optimal oral tissue development.