There always seems to be a new fad diet out there. Whether your goal is to watch the number on the scale go down, or you just want to cut out additional junk food in your life, some can be effective. However, not all diet trends have the best effect on your smile. Because of this, it’s always important that you do your research before trying one out. Continue reading to learn about three popular fad diets that you should be especially careful of.
Several Small Meals
The majority of us typically have two or three medium or large meals each day. However, this diet involves consuming six to eight meals each day, all of them being in smaller quantities. This can help people to eat less fat, healthier carbs, and more fruits and vegetables. There are all sorts of different benefits that this can have on your overall health, but it can also put your teeth at risk. Your enamel is especially vulnerable for up to an hour after you eat something, so the more frequently you eat, the more likely you are to develop dental problems, like tooth decay.
All Raw Foods
By sticking to a raw food diet, you can get all of the nutrients you need without eating any of those unhealthy preservatives that seem to be in everything these days. However, this doesn’t mean that your body is completely free from harm. Fruits contain natural sugars that can cause cavities if you aren’t being careful. Seeds and nuts can become stuck between the teeth and contribute to bacterial growth. Ultimately, you should choose plenty of foods that benefit your smile, like apples, carrots, and celery.
Juice Cleanses
This diet seems to make a lot of sense. Fruits and vegetables are good for you, so their juices are too, right? The problem is that if you are only drinking the juice, you are missing out on a lot of the fiber and nutrients that your body needs to keep your skin, hair, and nails in good health. You can even end up with the following dental issues:
- Enamel Erosion: Juice that contains a lot of sugar and acid can cause enamel erosion and leave you with weak, discolored teeth.
- Loss of Stability: With a low-calorie diet, your insulin levels are affected. When you’re on a juice cleanse for a long period of time, you could end up with issues related to your natural collagen that holds your teeth in place.
- Tooth Decay: Bacteria in the mouth feed off natural and artificial sugars. When you have a lot of sugar, which is present in fruit juice, you are more likely to develop cavities.
If you want to improve your wellbeing through dieting, keep your teeth in mind. A healthy diet should also mean a healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Edward J. Dooley is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly 40 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. In addition to being a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he is affiliated with the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and New Jersey Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Spring Lake, visit his website or call (732) 974-2288.
