3 Diet Trends That Are Harmful to Your Oral Health

It’s the start of a new year, and if you’re like most people, you probably have “losing weight” as one of your New Year’s Resolutions. Although there are many different types of exercise programs, you may be tempted to try one of the many diet trends influencers are promoting these days. Unfortunately, many of these can do more harm to your teeth than you might realize. A dentist in Richardson is here to provide three popular solutions you should stay away from if you want to maintain better oral health.

Consuming Fruit Juices

Instead of consuming solid foods, many diet trends involve a fruit juice cleanse. No matter the type, most of these beverages contain high acid contents, which is detrimental to tooth enamel. Not only does it eat away at your outermost, protective layer, but it also causes your insulin levels to destabilize. Why is this important? The collagen in your body helps to keep your teeth firmly in place, and it is closely tied to insulin. If these levels are no longer normal, it can cause you to experience tooth loss.

Although most nutritional experts do not promote juicing as an effective detoxifying solution, they do recommend eating healthy fruits and vegetables instead.

Eating Raw Foods

Considering a raw food diet? You may want to think twice. Yes, they offer valuable nutrients to help you lose weight, but they also consist of eating mostly fruit, nuts, and seeds. While this may seem harmless, the reality is fruit does contain natural sugars that can lead to tooth decay if consumed in excess. Also, seeds are prone to get stuck in small crevices. When left untouched, it can lead to bad bacteria spreading throughout your mouth.

This type of diet can be helpful if done in moderation, but you must also incorporate other beneficial foods into your diet (i.e., lean proteins, leafy greens) and maintain optimal oral hygiene.

Eating More “Small” Meals

You might assume that eating smaller meals throughout the day will help you lose weight. Although this might be true, the reality is the more you snack or consume, the greater your risk for tooth decay and cavities. Food is known to remain on teeth and cause damage up to one hour after being eaten. This means the more often you eat, the more likely bacteria and food particles will stay in place, breaking down your tooth enamel. If you choose this option to shed a few pounds, make sure you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, rinse your mouth with water after eating, and consume healthy foods instead of sweets and starches.

Go ahead and lose those unwanted pounds but be mindful of how you do it. Whether you choose the latest diet trend or choose to simply exercise and eat right, don’t let your oral health fall to the wayside. Take care of your smile the same way you take care of your body.

About the Author
At McDougal and Richards Dentistry, our team of expert dentists and staff want to help every patient who walks through our doors achieve happier, healthier smiles. If you are looking to lose weight because it is the start of a new year, contact us at (972) 231-5376 and let us help you identify healthy ways that won’t negatively impact your smile. Our team of experts is knowledgeable about which foods you should consume that are known to benefit both the mouth and body.