The advice follows an examination of research on oral health, commissioned by the World Health Organisation.
Food contains different types of starchy carbohydrate with varying degrees of processing. Although the researchers found no association between the total amount of starch eaten and tooth decay, they did find that more processed forms of starch increased risk of cavities.
This is because they can be broken down into sugars in the mouth by amylase found in saliva.
Further findings, although based on very few available studies and weaker data, suggested a lower risk of oral cancer from consuming whole grain starches, and that whole grains may also offer protection against gum disease.
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