3 Diets Trends that Can Harm Your Smile

A nutritious diet is the best method to maintain a trim waistline and a healthy body; however, you’ll find endless weight loss remedies online. Whether wanting to detoxify your body or drop a few pounds, you can find a variety of diet trends with a quick Google search. Although they may help you reach your goals, your periodontist in Huntington Beach has a word of warning. 3 popular fad diets can damage your smile if you’re not careful.

1. All-Juice Cleanses

As society becomes more health-conscious, many people are avoiding preservatives and ingredients that can harm the body. Besides watching what you eat, there are also multiple cleanses to rid the body of toxins. All-juice cleanses are a favorite among many top celebrities, but they aren’t good for your teeth.

Contrary to common belief, your digestive system doesn’t need to be detoxified. Despite your good intentions, all-juice cleanses don’t contain the vital nutrients your body needs to function correctly. Not to mention, fruit juices contain natural sugars, which can erode your enamel. They are also low-calorie, which can affect your body’s insulin levels. Over time, the collagen fibers holding your teeth in place can weaken. If the fibers become too weak, it can lead to tooth loss.

2. Raw Food Diets

Raw food diets are a great way to control your weight because they don’t contain unhealthy chemicals or preservatives. Instead, the diets contain many foods, like fruits, nuts, or seeds. As with all-juice diets, the sugars found in fruits can cause tooth decay. Although nuts and seeds are excellent sources of protein and other nutrients, they can get stuck between your teeth, increasing harmful oral bacteria growth.

According to a 2012 study, German scientists found over 60% of vegans had at least one severely decayed tooth. You can still enjoy the benefits of a raw food diet without risking your smile by committing to your oral hygiene. Chew a piece of sugar-free gum or floss well after finishing any seeds or nuts.

3. Small Meals

Portion control is everything when trying to maintain a healthy weight. Eating 6 to 8 small meals per day can be more effective than having just breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Grazing exposes your teeth to cavity-causing bacteria more often. Although you’ll be eating small portions, your smile can be at risk of more enamel wear as time passes.

If smaller meals work best for your health and lifestyle, implement a solid oral hygiene routine at home by brushing after every meal. Rinse your mouth with water if you can’t get to your toothbrush.

If you have any questions about your diet’s influence on your oral health, discuss your concerns you’re your periodontist during your visit.

About Dr. Justin Braga

Dr. Braga earned his dental degree at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco before continuing his training in periodontics. He has advanced qualifications in many specialties, including general dentistry, craniofacial biology, and dental implant surgery. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.