Diets are a very common way for people to try to reach goals regarding their health. There are all sorts of reasons why you may decide to go on one. Whether you are trying to cut out processed foods, want to drop a few pounds, or are trying to eat healthier, a diet can help you get there. While some diets may be great for your waistline, that may not be the case for your teeth. Continue reading to learn more from a dentist in Stephens City about the popular diets that can actually harm your oral health.
Juice Cleanses
This type of diet seems to make sense. Juice comes from fruit and vegetables, and which are excellent for your health. However, if you are sticking to consuming only the juice of common fruits and veggies, you are missing out on much of the fiber and nutrients that your body needs in order to keep your skin, nails, hair, and teeth healthy. When it comes to your oral health, a juice diet could cause you to develop the following issues:
- Enamel Damage: Juice contains lots of sugar and acid, just like soda. This is harmful for your teeth’s protective enamel and can leave you with weak and discolored teeth.
- Loss of Stability: When you are sticking to a low-calorie diet, your insulin levels are affected which can cause you to end up with problems related to your natural collagen as a result. Collagen is what holds your teeth in place, so when these fibers are weakened, you could end up with tooth loss.
- Tooth Decay: Bacteria feeds off both natural and artificial sugars. Because you are consuming so much sugar when you drink juice, you will be more likely to experience cavities and tooth decay.
Several Small Meals
Instead of having three meals a day, there is a fad diet out there that involves having six to eight small meals throughout the day. This helps people consume less fat, better carbs, and more fruits and vegetables. There are many benefits of this diet when it comes to your overall health, but not so much for your oral health. Bacteria feeds off of sugar in the mouth and releases a weak acid as a byproduct. It takes time for your saliva to wash this away, so your smile is left extra vulnerable for about an hour each time you eat. Having more meals throughout the day leads to longer sugar exposure, which can be dangerous for the teeth.
Raw Foods
If you’re sticking to raw food, you can still get all the nutrients you need and you don’t have to worry about unhealthy preservatives. However, there is some potential harm when it comes to your smile. Fruit contains natural sugars which can cause tooth decay if you are consuming them or drinking their juice too often. Seeds and nuts can easily become stuck between the teeth and encourage bacterial growth. If you decide that you want to go on a raw foods diet, be sure that you are including things that have benefits for your smile, like apples, pears, carrots, and celery.
No matter what diet you’re looking to try, you shouldn’t forget about your oral health. By sticking to healthy options, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, your whole body will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly 40 years! He is committed to completing continuing education courses, including the L. D. Pankey Institute Continuum for Advanced Dentistry, the Misch Implant Institute restorative program, and the Dawson series of programs. Currently, he is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Dr. Gromling always reminds his patients that diet plays a key role when it comes to their oral health. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (540) 869-4377.