Many of us are guilty of jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to the latest fad diets. A lot of them have helpful benefits, especially if you are trying to lose weight or cut out junk food. However, just because they have some benefits for your body doesn’t mean that they have the same effects on your teeth. In fact, there are many fad diets out there that can be harmful. What you eat plays a key role in keeping your smile healthy. Read on to learn about a few fad diets that have a negative impact on your oral health.
Raw Food Diets
Many popular celebrities have attributed their waistline to diets that are mostly composed of raw foods. Following these eating habits helps you get all the nutrient that you need while still allowing you to avoid preservatives and chemicals. However, this diet isn’t necessarily safe for your smile. The risk comes from the high amounts of fruit and seeds. Fruit contains sugar which can lead to tooth decay if it’s consumed too often. Seeds can get stuck in your teeth and promote bacterial growth. If you are trying to eat a more raw diet, try to stick to tooth-healthy foods like almonds, apples, carrots, and spinach.
Juice Cleanses
Fruits and vegetables are necessary for a healthy diet, so it makes perfect sense that it would do good for your body. However, they aren’t as great as you may think. Part of what makes fruit and veggies so healthy is the fact that you are consuming fiber and nutrients to keep your hair, nails, skin, and teeth healthy. When you only drink the juice, you don’t get all of that. Instead, you are consuming acid and sugars which have the following damaging effects on your teeth:
- Weakened Enamel: Just like soda, juice weakens your enamel and can stain your teeth.
- Bacterial Growth: Bacteria feed on sugar which can cause tooth decay and cavities over time.
- Loss of Stability: Insulin levels are affected by low calorie diets. This can lead to issues with your natural collagen that hold your teeth into place. Eventually, you could experience tooth loss.
Small Meals Diet
Another recommended diet is one that consists of many small meals throughout the day. This is because people who do this tend to eat less fat, healthier carbs, and more fruits and vegetables. They are also more likely to have a lower body fat percentage than those who have a few large meals each day. The problem with this is that your teeth are more vulnerable to damage for about an hour after you eat. The more times you eat, the more time your teeth will be susceptible to damage.
If you’re looking to start a new diet, remember that the food you eat affects more than just your waistline. Make decisions wisely so you aren’t putting your smile on the line.
About the Author
Dr. Cale Beasley earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City and is committed to continuing education to expand his knowledge in the field. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, and SPEAR education. For more information on how to best take care of your smile or to schedule an appointment at his practice in Littleton, CO, visit his website or call (303) 794-1707.