Fad Diets: The Dental Connection!

With each passing year, many people are determined to lose those unwanted pounds and to improve their health.  However, fad diets or other diet concoctions containing lemon juice as part of a weight-loss cleanse can have adverse effects to your dental health. As more people try restrictive diets to lose weight as part of their new year's resolutions, diet scenarios like the one previously mentioned, are becoming more common according to experts. Even diets that many consider healthy, such as liquid cleanses, low-carb diets like Atkins or Paleo, vegan or raw diets, may not always be healthy for the teeth and gums

While many people seem to look at the impacts that food have on cholesterol, blood sugar and our weight, most dieters don't consider their mouths.  However, many dental professionals are now becoming attuned to the connection between nutrition and oral health.  Unfortunately, most patients need to understand the connection too, and get their dental health teams' guidance on how to keep their teeth healthy as they lose weight.   While followers of fad diets may lose unwanted pounds, they may also lose some tooth enamel in the bargain, or experience other side effects in their teeth and mouth.

Check out some common diets that might impact your dental health.

JUICING

While many swear by the benefits of a juice cleanse, many people don't realize that chewing also stimulates salivary production, which helps counteract the bacterial action that can lead to cavities in your mouth.  To decrease possible adverse side effects from juicing, use a straw, rinse your mouth with water to dilute the acid, brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste 30 minutes after juicing, and choose whole fruits and veggies rather than processed juices.

LOW-CARB

While diets that restrict carbs can eliminate many foods that can lead to tooth decay, the diet itself can lead to a dry mouth, bad breath, and bleeding gums, especially on those that do not eat crunchy fruits and vegetables.  To decrease any adverse dental effects, drink plenty of water, rinse with alcohol free mouthwash, and chew sugar-free gum.

VEGAN DIET

Vegan diets and "raw food only" diets that eliminate meat, fish, cheese, milk or eggs can lead to a reduction in vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium and zinc, which are important for the teeth, bones, gums and tissue health.  To decrease these possible side effects, choose supplements or fortified foods with vitamin B-12, calcium and zinc.

So if you are determined to lose weight and improve your overall health this year, great, just be informed so that you can achieve your objections without incurring any unintended dental consequences. If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,
DRT