Are you trying to reach your goals regarding your health? One way that many people try to achieve this is through fad diets. When they are used properly, they can be useful, but other times they can be harmful for your oral health. If you are trying to drop a few pounds or if you are looking to be healthier, a fad diet may not be the best idea. Continue reading to learn about which diets you should be especially careful of for the sake of your oral health.
Juice Cleanses
These diets seem to make a lot of sense, but they aren’t good for your teeth. Fruits and veggies are good for you, so their juice must be as well, right? The truth is that if you are only drinking the juice, you are missing out on a lot of the fiber and nutrients that your body needs in order to keep your skin, nails, and hair in excellent shape. You could even end up with some of the following issues:
- Enamel Damage: Juice containing lots of sugar and acid, like soda, can cause your enamel to erode, leaving you with weak, discolored teeth.
- Stability Loss: If you have a low-calorie diet, your insulin levels are affected. When you are on a juice cleanse for a long period of time, you could end up with issues related to your natural collagen. This is what holds your teeth into place.
- Cavities: Bacteria in the mouth feed off of natural and artificial sugars. When you consume sugar when you drink juice, you can leave your teeth vulnerable to cavities.
Smaller Meals
Instead of enjoying three meals every single day, there is a fad diet that involves eating six to eight small meals each day. This helps you to consume less fat, healthier carbs, and more fruits and veggies. There are many different benefits for your overall health, but it puts your teeth at risk. Your enamel is especially vulnerable for up to an hour after you eat. The more frequently that you have a snack or meal, the more likely that you are to have dental issues.
Raw Foods
When you stick to a raw food diet, you can get all of the nutrients you need without needing to worry about the unhealthy preservatives that are out there. However, this doesn’t mean that you are completely free from harm. Fruits contain natural sugar which can cause tooth decay. Seeds and nuts can become lodged between the teeth and cause additional bacterial growth. Ultimately, it is important that you choose foods that will benefit you, like apples, carrots, and celery.
If you want to start up a diet, think of your oral health first. This way, you can maintain a strong, healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Steven Hatch earned his dental doctorate from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and is committed to taking numerous hours of continuing education each year to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. For more ways to keep your smile healthy or to schedule an appointment at his office in Forest, visit his website or call (434) 841-1704.