3 Fad Diets That Could be Detrimental to Your Oral Health

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly half the adult population in America is obese. It’s only natural, then, for there to be a ton of weight loss plans on the market and circulating online. While some of them produce amazing results, they can potentially cause problems for your oral health. As a continue reading, a local dentist discusses the diet trends that can harm your smile so you can prevent any mishaps.

#1 – Juice Cleanses

Many people rely on juice cleanses to help remove toxins from the digestive system. However, they can leave the body devoid of key nutrients, like vitamin D, calcium, potassium and phosphorous. Additionally, fruit-based juices are higher in sugar and acid.

The following explains some of the harmful side effects of relying on juice cleanses:

• Enamel Damage – The acidity related to increased juice consumption can lead to enamel wear, and the darker pigmented fruits can cause staining.
• Tooth Instability – Low-calorie diets aid in weight loss by reducing the body’s insulin production. However, this can lead to problems in collagen generation, which forms the connective tissue around the tooth root. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss.
• Plaque Formation – Oral bacteria love sugar. By consuming more juice, you may be vulnerable to plaque formation and tooth and gum decay.

For the sake of your oral health, it’s a better idea to eat more solid fruits and vegetables than to simply juice.

#2 – Raw Food Diets

Unlike juice cleanses, raw food diets are considered to deliver more of the nutrients that the body needs. This style of eating still poses its fair share of challenges with the increased intake of fruits.

It should be noted that not all raw food diets are created equal. Foods like almonds, apples and spinach are better for your oral health, as they contain nutrients that protect your teeth and trim your waistline.

#3 – Small and Frequent Meals

Some people see results eating five to eight small meals throughout the day. The premise is that it helps to stoke the body’s metabolism. Furthermore, there is evidence that it encourages fat and weight loss. Unfortunately, eating more often can also contribute to oral health issues, as the teeth are bathed with food particles throughout the day, making them more susceptible to bacteria and plaque growth.

If you’re planning on eating more frequently, you’ll need to step-up your dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing at least three times a day will help to keep tooth and gum decay at bay. For situations where you can’t clean your teeth, keep mouthwash handy to remove any lingering debris.

Before starting any new diet regimen to drop a few pounds, it’s best to discuss it with your physician and dentist. Therefore, you can be sure that your efforts won’t compromise your total wellness. By taking a more cautious approach, you can achieve your weight loss goals in a healthy, happy and lasting manner!

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Throughout his career, he has maintained a commitment to expanding his knowledge. Thus, Dr. Milner takes several hours of continuing education courses annually. He provides careful and compassionate preventive care at Dolfield Dental, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.