It’s resolution season, and many people resolve to drop a few pounds this time of year. If you have resolved to eat better, make sure you are not following a diet regimen that can harm your oral health. Keep reading to learn three common diets that may end up doing you more harm than good – and visit your dentist twice annually to make doubly sure you’re staying away from cavities and gum disease all year long.
#1: Eating 5 Small Meals
The logic goes that, rather than eating 3 bigger meals throughout the day, you can lose weight by eating 5 small meals in the same amount of time. It is true that people who adhere to this diet typically have lower body fat because they tend to eat fewer carbs and fatty foods, but unfortunately, your teeth are also more vulnerable to cavities in the first hour after you’ve eaten. Increasing the number of meals you eat in a day will also up the number of hours your teeth are at a higher risk of being affected by bacteria buildup.
#2: Raw Foods Diet
People who subscribe to a raw foods diet will eat more acidic fresh fruits and vegetables, which can wear down the tooth enamel and leave you at a greater risk of tooth sensitivity as well as cavities and chipped teeth. But, at the same time, many raw foods – like apples, spinach, and carrots – can actually benefit your smile by stimulating saliva production to wash away bacteria naturally. If you choose to adopt this diet, make sure you are rinsing your mouth with water after eating citrus and also flossing after each meal to remove any nuts or other leftover pieces that may get stuck between teeth.
#3: Juice Cleanses
There are a number of popular juice cleanse diets that promise to help you shed inches in weeks. Unfortunately, only drinking juice can leave you devoid of fiber and important nutrients that you need to keep your teeth and bones healthy. Not to mention the fact that many juice recipes are high in lemon juice, which is extremely acidic and will have the same effect described in the raw foods diet section. It’s fine to drink some juices here and there, but for the sake of your oral and overall health, be sure to consume whole foods as well.
Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before beginning any new diet – only a medical professional who knows your health history and current needs will be able to advise you on what is right for your body. But remember, don’t sacrifice your oral health just to lose a few pounds! You can also talk to your dentist about how diet trends may affect your teeth and gums over the long term.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Michael C. Byars earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Missouri – Kansas City and has been providing high-quality oral health care for Kansas City neighbors since establishing his private practice in 2007. Over the past 14 years, he has mastered the art of perfecting smiles with high-quality dental services, including general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. To learn more or to book your appointment, contact his office at (816) 781-8222.