Smart eating decisions are a foundational part of a healthy lifestyle, and the Internet is full of dieting tips from experts, influencers, and seemingly everyone else as well. Unfortunately, there are a few popular dieting trends that can lead to dental damage and other oral health concerns if you’re not careful. Here’s a brief guide to a few dieting fads that may cause problems with your teeth and gums.
Juice Cleanses Can Lead to Tooth Decay
Juice cleanses are a popular dieting fad that involves ingesting nothing but fruit and vegetable juice for a set period of time. Unfortunately, many fruits such as citrus are quite high in acid that will begin eroding your enamel upon contact, and fruit juices can deliver a concentrated payload of this caustic stuff directly to your teeth. Since drinking juice also doesn’t require chewing, the mouth may not produce as much saliva, which can leave your smile more vulnerable to acid exposure and injury.
Make Sure You Get Enough Protein if You Don’t Eat Meat
Many people prefer not to eat meat for a wide range of reasons, but it’s important to make sure that you’re getting enough protein if you are eating a vegan or vegetarian diet. Sufficient protein intake is crucial to the health of your gums as well as the other tissues in your body, and failing to consume enough of this nutrient can make gum disease more likely. If you aren’t eating meat, make sure to compensate by enjoying other sources of protein such as legumes and soy.
The Keto Diet May Make Your Breath Taste Funny
The keto diet involves consuming a lot of fat while vastly reducing or eliminating one’s sugar intake. A person eating a keto diet may shun all forms of sweets, grains, and breads while eating fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables, which will cause the body to burn through its supply of sugar and begin metabolizing its fat reserves for energy.
This method can lead to significant weight loss, but the body’s process of burning fat will release chemicals called ketones. These byproducts may leave your breath tasting a little bit like acetone or nail polish remover for a while, but it will eventually disappear after your body acclimates to the keto diet. If the taste is bothering you, you may try using mouthwash to reduce it.
Excellent oral hygiene is the best way to ensure that your teeth stay healthy regardless of your eating decisions. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to keep your teeth healthy while dieting.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Yarnell earned her dental degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and refines her skills with continuing education coursework. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Arkansas Dental Association, and the International Dental Implant Association. Her office in Jonesboro offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about protecting your teeth while dieting, contact her office online or dial (870) 932-8488.