The “calories in, calories out” method may work for some people, but for others, weight loss can be a bit more complicated. This is one of the reasons trendy diets like keto, juice cleanses, and veganism are attractive. But what about their impact on teeth? While some of these eating plans might be good for your waistline, they can do serious damage to your pearly whites. If you’re considering a popular diet, continue reading. You’ll find out which ones could harm your oral health and ways to make them safer for your smile.
Keto & Low-Carb Diets
The ketogenic (keto) diet and other low-carb eating plans can lead to keto breath—a dry mouth and unpleasant odor caused by increased ketones. Since saliva is crucial for smile maintenance, reduced flow can also lead to more plaque buildup, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
How To Make It Work: Keto has helped many people with their weight. If you want to give it a try, stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum, and practice good oral hygiene to combat dry mouth.
Lemon Cleanse and Juice-Based Diets
Juice cleanses and lemon water “detoxes” are often marketed as a way to reset your body. However, there’s no such thing as a cleanse (your liver and kidneys take care of that for you) and they can wreak havoc on your enamel.
The high acidity of citrus-based cleanses, in particular, wears down your teeth over time, making them more sensitive and vulnerable to decay. Once enamel is lost, it doesn’t grow back!
How to Make It Work: If you want to make fruit and vegetable juices a part of your diet for their vitamin content, you should take precautions. First, use a straw to lower tooth contact. Second, rinse your mouth with water afterward. And finally, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid further erosion.
Vegan and Plant-Based Diets
A plant-based diet can be great for overall health, but without proper planning, it can lead to deficiencies in vitamins that are essential for strong teeth. For example, many herbivores don’t get enough calcium or vitamin D. A lack of these nutrients can weaken enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay.
How to Make It Work: Incorporate calcium-rich foods and drinks like fortified plant milk, leafy greens, and nuts into your menu. If you want to get the best results, you can also talk to your dentist about supplements if needed.
If you’re focused on losing weight and getting healthier this year, don’t forget to include your smile in the equation. While some of these trendy diets can offer quick health benefits, they can take a toll on your teeth. So, if you’re interested in following a specific meal plan, give your dentist a call. They can offer insights into oral care that can save your smile while you focus on your menu!
About the Author
If your pearly whites have hit their limit due to a fad diet, Dr. Erin Peters can help you get your smile back on track! She earned her dental doctorate from the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, entering the Orthogenic Honor Society for accomplished students. Today, she continues to strive for excellence, offering quality dental care and comfort. Call (201) 641-9119 to schedule a consultation at Erin Dental or visit our website to see other services.