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When a person sets health goals with the purpose of improving themselves, that’s always a good thing. Sometimes, the method to achieve the goal can be problematic. Take some diet trends, for example. They may seem like a path to improved oral health, but it’s important to see the potential downside, as well. Keep reading to learn some fad diets to be careful about from your dentist in Lehigh Valley.
Smaller Meals
As opposed to having three meals each day, some people adopt a fad diet where they have 6-8 small meals. They go heavy on fruits and veggies to consume less fat and healthier carbs. While this approach can have a variety of benefits for your overall health, it also puts your teeth at risk.
Your enamel is especially vulnerable for up to an hour after you eat. Thus, the more frequently you have snacks or meals, the more likely you are to have dental issues.
Raw Foods
A raw food diet can provide you with the nutrients you need without having to concern yourself with the unhealthy preservatives in processed foods. That doesn’t mean you are completely free from harm, however. Fruits contain natural sugar that can cause tooth decay, plus some fruits are acidic to weaken your enamel.
Nuts and seeds can become lodged between your teeth and cause bacterial growth. It’s important to choose raw foods that will benefit your oral health, such as almonds, carrots, and apples.
Juice Cleanses
They may seem to make a lot of sense, but juice cleanses aren’t particularly good for your teeth. Since fruits and vegetables are good for you, it seems logical their juice is also healthy, right? When you are only drinking the juices of these items, you are missing a lot of the nutrients and fiber your body needs to keep your hair, nails, and skin in great shape. Prolonged participation in juice cleanses could lead to:
- Cavities: Bacteria in your mouth feed off both artificial and natural sugars. Since you are consuming so much sugar when you drink juice, you are more likely to get cavities.
- Stability loss: When you have a low-calorie diet, it affects your insulin levels. If you are doing a juice cleanse for a long time, you could develop issues related to your natural collagen, which is important since it holds your teeth in place.
- Enamel damage: Just like soda, juice contains a lot of sugar and acid. These both cause enamel erosion over time and leave you with weakened and discolored teeth.
When you are considering a new diet, be sure to think about how it might affect your oral health. If you stick to healthy foods, maintain a great dental hygiene regimen, and visit your dentist in Lehigh Valley for regular cleanings and exams, you will be able to maintain a healthy smile as you get the dieting results you seek!
About the Author
Dr. John Salivonchik always liked the idea of working with his hands while combining artistry, creativity, and science to help people. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Salivonchik understands wanting to improve yourself but recognizes that it’s important to keep your oral health in mind and not put it at risk. You can ask his thoughts on any of these diet trends during your next dental cleaning and exam, which you can schedule on his website or by calling (610) 502-1545.
