3 Diets Trends That Aren’t Great for Your Smile

Are you trying to reach a goal regarding your health? Whether you are trying to lower the number on the scale, build up some muscle, or just eat fewer processed foods, a diet can be a great way to get there. However, some fad diets can be harmful for your oral health. Continue reading to learn about a few popular diet trends, what they consist of, and why they should be avoided for the sake of your smile.

Juice Cleanse

A juice cleanse seems to make a lot of sense. Fruits and vegetables are good for you, so their juice must be as well – right? The problem is that when you are only drinking the juice of these items, you are missing out on a lot of the fiber and nutrients that your body needs to keep your skin, nails, and hair in good shape. You could end up with some of the following problems:

• Enamel Damage: Juice is packed with sugar and acid just like soda. This can cause your enamel to erode over time and leave you with weak, discolored teeth.
• Loss of Stability: With a low-calorie diet, your insulin levels are affected. If you are doing a juice cleanse for a long period of time, you could end up with issues related to your natural collagen. This is what holds your teeth into place.
• Cavities: Bacteria in the mouth feed off natural and artificial sugars. Since you’re consuming so much sugar when you drink juice, you are more likely to experience cavities.

Raw Foods

When you stick to a raw food diet, you can get all of the nutrients you need without having to worry about the unhealthy preservatives that are out there. However, this doesn’t mean that you are completely safe from harm. Fruits contain natural sugar which can cause tooth decay. Seeks and nuts can be lodged between the teeth and cause additional bacterial growth. It’s important that you choose foods that will benefit your oral health, like apples, carrots, and almonds.

Small Meals

Instead of having two to three large meals a day, some people follow a fad diet where they have six to eight small meals each day. This helps you to consume less fat, healthier carbs, and more fruits and vegetables. There are many different benefits for your overall health, but it puts your teeth at risk. Your enamel is particularly vulnerable for up to an hour after you eat. The more frequently you have a snack or meal, the more likely you are to have dental issues.

If you want to begin a diet, be sure that you consider your oral health. By sticking to healthier options, maintaining an excellent dental hygiene routine, and seeing your dentist regularly, you can maintain a healthy, happy smile!

About the Practice

At Dental Expressions, we have two experienced dentists providing personalized dental care in Freedom, WI. Both Dr. Robert Heil and Dr. Heather Heil earned their dental degrees from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in Minneapolis and have been practicing for over two decades. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (920) 788-6280.