Have you recently decided that you wanted to improve your health by eating better? With so many fad diets out there, it may be tempting to hop on the bandwagon and see what all the fuss is about. Unfortunately, several of these diets can do more harm than good. Read on to learn about three popular diet trends that can harm your oral health and what you should eat instead to keep your teeth strong and bright.
Trend #1: Juice Cleanses
Since fresh fruits and vegetables are full of minerals and vitamins, you would think that a juice cleanse is a healthy diet to follow. Sadly, that’s not the case drinking only juice means you’re missing out on nutrients your body needs to keep your teeth healthy. Natural fruit juice is also high in acid and sugar, so it can damage your enamel and put you at a higher risk of developing cavities. Eat fresh, raw tooth-friendly fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, strawberries, celery, apples, pears, and kiwi instead. If you do decide to have a glass of juice, use a straw to lessen the amount of contact it has with your pearly whites.
Trend #2: Raw Food Diets
A raw food diet involves eating only or mostly unprocessed and uncooked foods. Some people say this helps you get the necessary nutrients without consuming preservatives and chemicals. Unfortunately, the high amounts of natural sugars in fruit can seriously damage your teeth and may even lead to decay. Additionally, seeds can get lodged in your teeth, which also raises your chances of getting cavities. Some raw foods, like pears, spinach, and almonds, can benefit your oral health since they require a lot of chewing. This stimulates saliva production, which helps prevent dry mouth and wash away harmful oral bacteria. If you eat seeds, floss afterward to remove pieces stuck between your teeth.
Trend #3: Small Meals
Though many celebrities and dieticians recommend eating multiple small meals throughout the day, this may expose our teeth to a constant acid attack. The level of acid in the mouth rises when we eat, so having extra meals throughout the day means your teeth are susceptible to damage all day long. Make sure to brush twice and floss once per day to clean your mouth after meals. You should also drink plenty of water to wash away bacteria and food particles as well as to lower the acid levels in your mouth.
While trying to eat healthier may seem like the best way to take better care of your body, make sure you aren’t damaging your pearly whites in the process. By avoiding these diet trends, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining good oral hygiene, your smile will remain gorgeous and in good health!
About the Practice
White Clay Dental aims to provide their Newark patients with the lovely, luminous smiles they deserve. They are experts at all things oral health and can help you get your pearly whites on the right track. If you’re considering starting a new diet, they can also make you aware of any potential oral health risks and recommend tooth-approved alternatives if necessary. Ready to make an appointment or want more information on diet trends that can damage your pearly whites? If so, visit White Clay Dental’s website or call their office at (302) 731-4225.