Three Fad Diets That Pose a Risk to Oral Health

When December ends and a new year begins, many people make a resolution to lose weight or get more fit so that they can start the year off feeling healthier and more confident. This often leads them to search for diet plans that will help them slim down. If you’re among those many, it’s important to understand that while weight loss is a wonderful thing for those it can benefit, it’s also crucial that the foods you’re eating are promoting your oral health. Keep reading to learn about three popular fad diets that can negatively impact the condition of your smile in the long run.

Three Fad Diets That Are Not Tooth Friendly

Dieting, regardless of whether it is for the purpose of weight loss or not, is a great way to jump-start your physical and mental health. However, there are three very popular fad diets that might be good for the waistline, but can severely damage your teeth if practiced for too long:

Juice Cleanses

While juice cleanses are often used to detoxify the digestive system, it’s important to know that it’s not the best option for oral health:

• Extracting the juice from fruits and vegetables does not provide you with the same fiber and nutrients that your body gets from eating the actual substance.
• Juice from most fruits is very high in sugar and acid content, which can wear down tooth enamel and cause cavities over time. Plus, bacteria love sugar, so an excess of it in your mouth only increases your risk of gum infection.
• Instead of juicing, try to include a healthy balance of fruits and vegetables into your daily diet so that your body will receive all of the nutrients and vitamins it needs to keep your teeth healthy.

Raw Food Diets

Many celebrities claim to control their weight through a raw food only diet. While this may help you avoid some preservatives and chemicals, these diets can pose a risk to the well-being if your teeth:

• They contain large amounts of fruits, nuts, and seeds, and as previously mentioned, the natural sugars in fruits can lead to cavities if consumed in excess, and nuts and seeds can easily get stuck in between teeth.
• Studies have proven that those consuming raw food diets have a higher risk for dental erosion.
• When you do enjoy fruits, seeds, or nuts, make sure to have floss and a toothbrush close by to remove any leftover substances.

Smaller Meals

It has long been said by many dieticians that eating several smaller meals throughout the day instead of the standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner is a good way to slim down your waistline. However, dental science says otherwise:

• After you eat, your teeth are susceptible to damage for up to one hour, and the reality is, most people don’t brush their teeth after every single meal. The more you eat, the more your teeth are at risk for bacteria and plaque build-up.
• If you do decide that more frequent, smaller meals are the way to go for you, just be sure to commit to extra precautions such as brushing and flossing more often throughout the day and drinking plenty of water to rinse out your mouth.

Ring in the new year with a plan not just for a thinner waistline, but also for a healthy smile. Talk to your dentist about tooth-friendly diet options that could work for you!

About the Practice

The team of dental experts at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield are highly skilled at providing their patients with the knowledge and tools they need to have healthy smiles. Their dedication to quality and combined expertise give them the ability to provide the highest level of care to everyone who walks through their door. Before putting together any treatment plans, they ensure that they fully understand their patients’ needs and desires. Is your smile ready for the new year? Schedule a consultation online or call (217) 546-3333.