3 Diet Trends that Harm Your Oral Health

There always seems to be a new fad diet out there. Whether you are looking to drop a few pounds or just to be healthier, some of them can be highly effective. However, not all of them have the best effects on your oral health. A fad diet may not always be the best idea, so it is important to do your research. Continue reading to learn about which diets you should be especially careful of for the sake of your oral health.

Many Small Meals

Most of us typically have three meals a day, but this fad diet involves consuming six to eight small meals each day. This can help people to eat less fat, healthier carbs, and more fruits and vegetables. There are all sorts of different benefits that this can have on your overall health, but it can also put your teeth at risk. Your enamel is especially vulnerable for up to an hour after you eat, so the more frequently you eat, the more likely you are to develop dental problems.

Raw Foods

By sticking to a raw diet, you can get all of the nutrients you need without eating any of those unhealthy preservatives that seem to be everywhere. However, this doesn’t mean that your body is completely free from harm. Fruits contain natural sugars that can cause tooth decay if you aren’t careful. Seeds and nuts can become lodged between the teeth and cause additional bacterial growth. In the end, you should choose plenty of foods that benefit your smile, like apples, carrots, and celery.

Juice Cleanses

This diet seems to make a lot of sense, but it is harmful for your teeth. Fruits and vegetables are good for you, so their juices are too, right? The problem is that if you are only drinking the juice, you are missing out on a lot of the fiber and nutrients that your body needs to keep your skin, hair, and nails in good health. You can even end up with the following dental issues:

• Enamel damage: Juice that contains a lot of sugar and acid, like soda, can cause your enamel to erode and leave you with weak, discolored teeth.
• Loss of stability: With a low-calorie diet, your insulin levels are affected. When you’re on a juice cleanse for a long period of time, you could end up with issues related to your natural collagen that holds your teeth in place.
• Cavities: Bacteria in the mouth feed off natural and artificial sugars. When you have a lot of sugar, which is present in juice, you are more likely to develop cavities.

If you’re looking to start up a diet, be sure that you’re keeping your oral health in mind. A healthy diet should keep your smile in good condition too!

About the Author

Dr. CJ Stec earned his dental doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and has completed a great deal of continuing education to expand his clinical skillset, including in the topics of implant dentistry, Invisalign, and cosmetic dentistry. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association and Nebraska Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Grand Island, visit his website or call (308) 382-4440.