Starting up a new diet to get ready for the holidays? While diets help you lose weight and get you in shape, be mindful of how they can affect your teeth! As long as you continue taking care of your teeth and gums, you will greatly reduce the impact of your diet.
Here are some tips:
Juicing is becoming increasingly popular for those trying to cleanse their bodies and improve overall health. Plenty of fruits and vegetables are included in juices and smoothies, which are great for nutrition, but are also high in sugar and acid, increasing the bacteria in your mouth. The pigmentation in some fruits and vegetables can also stain your teeth. Drink juices through a straw, and rinse with water afterward.
Grazing diets involve eating smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day. Remember that your mouth works to balance out acidity levels each time you consume something. Snacking on "scrubber" foods (celery, apples) can give you the nourishment while helping keep oral health in check.
Diet soda may be a better option than regular soda, but contains a lot of acid that is hard on your enamel. Rather than sipping soda all day, drink it, rinse, and drink water the rest of the day. Other "diet-friendly" foods that can harm your teeth are nuts, dried fruits and anything with citrus.
Supplements and dietary pills may decrease the flow of saliva, which can encourage bacteria growth or give you dry mouth. Offset this by drinking plenty of water. You may also want to include vitamins and minerals that help with dental health into your nutrition plan.
Contact us if you have any other questions or concerns regarding how your diet affects your oral health. Good luck with your diet!
Courtesy of Martin and Sheng Dental
