By Stone Falls Dental Care · Published
TL;DR
Limiting the variety of foods you eat can raise the chances of tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath, the post says. It reviews five diets: low-fat products with added sugar, juice cleanses that keep fructose and acid on the teeth, plant-based diets heavy in citrus and dried fruit, low-carb diets that can cause bad breath through ketosis, and dessert-based diets. To protect teeth it suggests limiting grazing, brushing and flossing more often, drinking water after meals, choosing sugar-free gum and regular checkups.
Whether it's the latest craze or a more widely accepted weight loss plan, the chances for tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath can increase when a person limits the variety of foods they eat. Here's the skinny on how popular diets can affect oral health:
1. Fat-Free/Low-Fats Diets: Makers of fat free and low fat versions of snacks & desserts highlight their lack of fat, but most people don't realize that sugar is typically added to improve the taste which can lead to serious tooth decay and prompt frequent snacking, wearing down the enamel of teeth.
2. Juice Cleanses: The non-stop contact of fructose and acids with a person’s teeth could result in tooth decay, enamel loss and teeth stains.
3. Plant-Based Diets: The constant consumption of citrusy fruits as well as sticky, dried fruit and nuts can erode the enamel and create cavities.
4. Low-Carb Diets: Halitosis (bad breath) can occur due to ketosis — a process the body undergoes when it burns only fat because carbohydrates are no longer available. Sucking on mint and candies may seem like a great solution, but these are rich in sugar and will cause tooth decay.
5. Dessert-Based Diets: The extreme amounts of sugar can spell trouble in the form of cavities and consequent visits to the dentist.
What You Can Do To Protect Your Teeth
- Limit grazing: minimize enamel erosion by spacing out meals
- Brush and floss more frequently: step up the routine to combat decay
- Drink water after every meal: it can help loosen food particles and neutralize acids
- Choose sugar-free gum & candy: promote saliva production without creating cavities
Visit the dentist often: keep your mouth in shape with regular exams/cleanings. If you're considering a radical shift in your eating behavior, a professional consultation can help you be fully aware of any risks or concerns based on your current dental situation & history. Dr. Carleigh Prane & the team at Stone Falls Dental Care in the St. Louis Metro East area offer Free Consultation and Free Second Opinion on any dental health matters – please check out our website www.StoneFallsDental.com or call us today!