Are you trying to reach goals regarding your health? Fad diets are a way that many different people try to get there. When they are done properly, they can be very useful, but they can also be harmful for your oral health. Whether you are looking to drop a few pounds or you are just trying to be healthier, a fad diet may not be the best choice for your entire body. Continue reading to learn which ones you should be especially careful of for the sake of your oral health.
Juice Cleanses
While these diets seem to make a lot of sense, they aren’t very good for your teeth. Both fruits and veggies are good for you, so their juice must be as well, right? However, when you are only drinking the juices of these products, you are missing out on a lot of the fiber and nutrients that your body needs to keep your skin, nails, and hair in excellent shape. You could end up with some of the following issues:
- Enamel Damage: Juice contains lots of sugar and acid, just like soda does. This can cause your enamel to erode over time and leave you with weak, discolored teeth.
- Stability Loss: When you have a low-calorie diet, your insulin levels are affected. If 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 both natural and artificial sugars. Because you are consuming so much sugar when you drink juice, you are more likely to experience cavities.
Smaller Meals
Instead of having three meals a day, some people follow a fad diet where they have 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 you have a snack or a meal, the more likely you are to have dental issues.
Raw Foods
By sticking to a raw food diet, you can get all of the nutrients you need without having 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. It is important that you choose foods that will benefit your oral health, like apples, carrots, and almonds.
If you are looking to begin a diet, look into your oral health first. By sticking to healthy options, maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine, and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, you will be able to maintain a strong, healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Doug Sewright is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over three decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Minnesota Dental School. He works alongside Dr. Reza Jafari and Dr. Sierra Ferreira at his practice in Phoenix, AZ. For more ways to keep your smile healthy or to schedule an appointment at his office, visit his website or call (602) 404-3483.