Good eating habits are essential for preserving your health throughout your life, but many people may not be aware of the oral health dangers involved with some popular dieting trends. By being aware of the risks and taking measures to mitigate them, you can enjoy the benefits of your eating plan while keeping your smile beautiful and infection-free. Here’s a brief guide to a few popular dieting methods as well as what you can do to keep your teeth in great shape.
Don’t Let Your Juice Cleanse Lead to Tooth Decay
Not too long ago, the Hollywood scene was abuzz about the benefits of juice cleanses. Many celebrities purported that enjoying a mostly liquid diet consisting primarily of fruit and vegetable juices for a period of time allowed them to slim down while eliminating toxins from their body, leaving them feeling more physically well by the time the cleanse was over.
While the real health benefits of this method are still up for debate, many may not realize that fruit juices are typically high in sugar that feeds harmful oral bacteria and acid that begins weakening your enamel on contact. If you decide to try a juice cleanse, make sure to wash your beverages down with plenty of water to dilute the sugar and acid and always remember to brush and floss at least twice a day to prevent harmful accumulations.
Vegetarians and Vegans Need to Get Enough Protein
Some people choose not to eat meat for a wide variety of reasons. While many can be perfectly healthy without eating meat, it’s especially crucial for people who eat vegetarian or vegan diets to ensure that they consume enough protein. Not getting enough protein can make it difficult for the gums to heal properly and fight infection, so be sure to enjoy plenty of plant-based proteins like those found in beans, nuts, and soy.
The Keto Diet Might Leave a Strange Taste on Your Breath
The keto diet involves eliminating almost all sugars, starches, and grains from your diet to force your body to burn its fat deposits for energy. While this method can be an effective way to lose weight, the process of metabolizing body fat results in the release of ketones, chemicals that taste a lot like acetone or nail polish remover. You may notice this taste on your breath for a while after your body enters ketosis, and it will probably persist until your body adapts to your new diet or until it has sugar to burn again.
While this temporary strange taste on your breath isn’t really an oral health risk, it can make food taste funny and you may find it unpleasant. The best way to reduce this issue is to practice excellent oral hygiene that includes using antibacterial mouthwash. This will leave you with an enjoyable minty feeling that might help cover up the odd taste on your breath.
Don’t let your diet compromise your oral health. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine the best eating habits for your smile and the rest of your body.
About the Practice
South Ridge Dental provides the Lincoln community with the finest oral health services in town. Led by Drs. Ryan and Steven Shaffer, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys a pleasant experience as well as effective care in a warm and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about protecting your oral health, contact the office online or dial (402) 423-1616.