Health trends come and go, and while some of them may help you take an inch or two off your waistline, sometimes these fads can prove harmful to your teeth. But which health trends are safe for your teeth, and which ones should come with an extra word of warning? We separate fact from fiction when it comes to health trends and your teeth in today’s blog.
Health Trends and Your Teeth
Here’s a look at some of the trendy health fads and how they may impact your teeth:
- Apple Cider Vinegar – There have been claims that apple cider vinegar can help boost weight loss, but it’s not something you should be downing by itself. Vinegar is highly acidic, and this acid can erode your teeth. Considering there is no real medically sourced data on the weight loss effects of apple cider vinegar, avoid this fad so your teeth stay healthy.
- Kombucha – As we detailed in this blog about kombucha, it’s not all that bad for your teeth. That being said, due to its acidity, it’s not something you should drink frequently or as a stand alone option. If you’re going to drink kombucha, drink it alongside some water to help remove acids from your teeth.
- Juice Cleanses – Another trend we’ve heard about recently is the juice cleanse. Some people swear by them, but there’s little scientifically-backed evidence that they are effective. However, there is some hard evidence about how they can affect your teeth. Juice cleanses are often packed with sugar, which can lead to cavity formation. If you’re going to do a juice cleanse, drink through a straw to help keep sugars off your teeth, or drink alongside water to wash it off of your teeth’s surfaces.
- Non-Dairy Milk – Some people choose almond milk or coconut milk due to lactose intolerance or for other reasons, but it’s not the same as cow’s milk. For starters, many of these milks are sweetened, so make sure you are choosing an unsweetened variety, otherwise the sugar can harm your teeth. Also, these milks don’t often have as much calcium as cow’s milk, so look for enriched options or those with higher calcium content to help keep your bones and teeth strong.
Are you considering trying a new fad diet or cleanse? Do some research to see how the diet could affect your oral health. Or better yet, give us a call. We’d be happy to give you a professional opinion on the trend you’re considering, and we can provide some tips on how to help keep your teeth protected while you try it out.
We want to help keep your teeth as healthy as possible, but some health trends aren’t the best for your teeth. Keep them in mind when pursuing different health trends, and we’re confident you’ll have a healthy and happy smile for years to come. For more information, contact us at Smiles For Life Dental in Bloomington today.