**8. The effects of the Mediterranean diet on oral and dental health**

Dental caries is a multifactorial infectious disease that represents a significant health problem worldwide. Besides cariogenic bacteria and poor oral hygiene, the cariogenic diet is the main risk factor for dental caries. It has been stated that the Mediterranean diet can be a good example of adequate and balanced nutrition, that this diet can provide a healthier diet worldwide, and in connection with this, a healthier dental structure can be achieved. There was an inverse correlation between dental caries in children aged 3–9 years with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and diet quality was directly related to dental caries [53]. In a study, a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) was determined in adults with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, which was associated with higher chewing performance. Also, dental treatment and the rehabilitation of missing teeth were claimed to be beneficial in improving diet quality. In addition, impaired oral and dental health might cause deficiencies in dietary intake [54, 55]. A study conducted with elderly individuals with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (73.9 ± 8.5) found higher BMI, more drug use, and lower chewing performance [54]. Another study evaluating the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and Sjögren's syndrome characterized by dry mouth (xerostomia) associated higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet with a lower probability of Sjögren's syndrome [56].

Wine is an important element of the Mediterranean diet, and it is recommended to consume one glass of wine every day. Studies have emphasized that wine might also affect the oral cavity positively due to its acidity and alcohol content [57]. However, the amount of consumption is also important in wine consumption. It was stated that frequent consumption of white wine might lead to serious dental erosion. In addition, it was shown that white wine had a higher abrasive potential on tooth enamel than red wine, and the amount of consumption was an important factor [58].

The role of the Mediterranean diet on the risk of the oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer was also investigated, and it was reported that adherence to a high Mediterranean diet was protective against pharyngeal cancer [59]. The main source of monounsaturated fatty acids in Mediterranean countries, olive oil is consumed at high rates. It was determined that olive oil had a positive effect on various neoplasms, including oral and pharyngeal cancers, due to its antioxidant properties rich in both oleic acid and Vitamin E [60]. It was further asserted that the favorable effect of the Mediterranean diet on oral and dental health was apparently stronger in young, highly educated ex-smokers or nonsmokers [59].

### **9. The effect of the Mediterranean diet on the digestive system**

Adequate and balanced nutrition is to maintain a healthy life. Just as a healthy digestive system is needed to ensure this, a healthy diet within a healthy digestive system is of great importance. The digestive system is one of our important systems in which solid and liquid foods are broken down into small building blocks that can be absorbed and passed into the blood circulation, along with water, vitamins, and minerals, as well as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats during their progression through the digestive tract. Digestive system diseases caused by infectious agents and stress factors added to an unbalanced diet are frequently encountered today [61]. The Mediterranean diet positively affects the digestive system due to its rich olive oil content. It is suggested that olive oil can also prevent the formation of gallstones due to the fact that it increases bile production and provides monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in a balanced way. It was found that the formation of gallstones is lower in areas with high consumption of olive oil [25].

As can be seen from the studies conducted, compliance with the Mediterranean diet is an important dietary model both for the protection of general health and the prevention of many diseases. For that reason, it is important for individuals to acquire the right dietary habits from a young age. Individuals should be made conscious of the protection of public health, sustainability, and the transformation of the Mediterranean diet into a lifestyle.

#### **10. Conclusion and future perspective**

Dietary patterns and culinary culture exhibit regional differences. Despite the similarity of the diet in the regions with a coast to the Mediterranean to the Mediterranean diet, marked variations might be observed in other regions. The results of the studies discussed in this chapter have suggested that the Mediterranean diet is a diet that should be applied as a lifestyle. It might be observed that this dietary form, however, has not been adopted adequately or attached significance throughout the world. Emerged as a result of globalization and technological developments, fast-food diet causes societies to move away from their traditional dietary habits. Although the climatic conditions and geographical structure of countries are considered as an obstacle for individuals to adopt the Mediterranean diet, the development of trade networks and transportation conditions today might enable us to eliminate this obstacle. The important point is that individuals demand other nutrients, especially olive oil, recommended to be consumed in this diet. The fact that individuals have this awareness might create an important solution to the Mediterranean diet in reducing the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases viewed as the main public health problem in many countries. The nutrition of the family, the smallest unit of society, is the prerequisite for a healthy society. Adequate, balanced, and healthy nutrition of individuals is

## *Mediterranean Diet and Health DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104257*

the basic requirement for maintaining health and preventing diseases for individuals of all age groups. It is crucial to acquire the right nutritional knowledge and habits from childhood to increase life quality and experience a quality aging process. Current information reveals that the Mediterranean diet has the potency to do this. The current situation might be revealed by conducting interdisciplinary scientific studies based on long-term observations with broad participation, considering the dietary styles of societies. Individuals might be made aware of the Mediterranean diet, both through social media and through written and visual communication tools. This can thus contribute to the increase in the quality of life of individuals and lead a healthy life.
