One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking of living a healthy lifestyle is eating cleaner. However, you might be surprised to know that some diet trends can actually be harmful to your oral health. Protecting your teeth and gums is just as important for your overall health as your dietary choices. Here are the diet trends your local dentist in Hamden suggests you should avoid and how to change it up to keep your diet and smile healthy.
#1 Juice Cleanses
Everyone says eating fruits and vegetables is the healthiest dietary choice you can make. Therefore, an all-juice diet does seem to be an obvious choice. However, there are several consequences to a juice-only diet.
When you consume only juice, you end up depriving yourself of the fiber and nutrients your teeth need to stay healthy. Fruits are especially acidic and sugary, and this can damage your teeth in several ways.
- Enamel Damage: Juice can stain and weaken the enamel just like soda.
- Tooth Decay: An excess of natural or artificial sugar can cause tooth decay or cavities.
Most people use juice cleanses to detoxify their digestive system, even when it doesn’t need to be detoxified. Instead, try drinking juice occasionally, but not as an entire diet plan. If you do decide to primarily drink juice for a few days, use a straw to minimize contact of the juice with your teeth.
#2 Raw Food Diets
Like juice cleanses, raw food diets can harm your teeth unintentionally. Though raw foods like almonds, apples, and spinach are packed with nutrients, they can potentially get stuck between your teeth. This can lead to bacteria growth or even dental erosion.
A tooth-friendly solution for this is to eat raw foods in moderation as well as maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Chewing sugar-free gum or flossing after your meal makes a significant difference.
#3 Small Meals
Dieticians and people in the fitness industry often recommend dieting via several small meals throughout the day instead of the usual three meals. Smaller meals can result in a lower body fat percentage by eating less fat, more healthier carbs, and more veggies.
One issue with this is the increased use of your teeth, allowing them to be more vulnerable to damage. Your enamel may wear and tear no matter what you eat, but you can take precautions to keep your teeth healthier in the long run.
It’s recommended you practice a good oral hygiene routine after every meal. Therefore, the more you eat, the more frequently you should clean your teeth. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating, as this could spread any acid or sugars onto more teeth. Instead, try swishing with water to dislodge any food particles.
Eating healthy is important for a stronger body, but you don’t have to sacrifice your oral health along the way. Try adjusting your dietary habits and you might find your smile is all the better for it!
About the Practice
D’Andrea and Pantera, DMD, PC strives to provide high-quality dental care with a priority on patient comfort. Using the latest in advanced dental technology, their team offers a vast array of dentistry, including preventive dental care and cleanings. Regardless of your dental needs, your dentists are sure to have your best interest at heart. If you have any questions about proper diets, visit their website or call (203) 288-0951.
