Dieting and Healthy Teeth and Gums Is there a Risk?

Healthy teeth and gums are important. Healthy teeth and gums pave the way for a healthy body.

Healthy teeth and gums may not be so healthy after embarking on a new eating plan. Although you may not think your new diet will have an effect on your teeth and gums, Dr. Jack Ringer, past president and Accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry begs to differ.

Your new weight loss program can affect your oral health. Although it may be good for your waistline, it’s not so great for healthy teeth and gums.

Low Fat Diets

Eating diets that are low in fat stop the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Because Vitamin D provides calcium, it is especially useful as calcium builds strong bones and teeth. If your body is unable to absorb much needed calcium, your teeth and bones will suffer for it.

Eating foods that lack Omega-3 Fatty Acids will cause anxiety and stress. Stress leads to tooth clenching and grinding. Known as bruxism, tooth clenching and grinding can lead to TMJ. Foods that are lower in fat, or marked as such, also contain more sugar, increasing your chance of tooth decay.

Ketogenic and Low Carb Diets

Although everyone seems to be jumping on the Keto train, a no carb or low carb diet can cause Keto breath. The smell of nail polish remover is apparent and a sign of ketosis. This process allows the body to burn fat instead of carbs for fuel. This releases chemicals known as ketones.

Drink more water; brush your teeth, and your tongue. Chew on mint and parsley and allow yourself a few carbs now and again if you want to get rid of Keto breath.

Dr. Ringer explains that a ketone overload also makes the body burn muscle, not fat. Not only does this make you tired, it can also cause damage to your heart.

Low Calorie Diets

Cutting calories will help you shed weight. However, reducing your intake of vitamins and minerals can cause problems with overall health. Malnutrition is bad for your body and your teeth and gums.

Starvation diets and diets that make you live on 500 calories a day can weaken your jawbone. This will eventually cause tooth loss. Softening enamel is also a result of diets that are low in calories. People who survive on carrots and celery all day are in the high-risk category for gum disease. If your gums are vitamin and mineral deficient, it will increase your risk of gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease.

Fruit Detox Diets

Although you may think you are doing your entire body a favor surviving on fruits to lose weight, such a limited diet will cause problems for your body and your mouth. Dr. Ringer explains that just like a low calorie diet, a fruit detox diet will lead to malnutrition.

Because fruits are loaded with sugar, tooth decay will become a real issue. Enamel erosion will also occur if you exist on citrus fruits. Enamel eating acids in oranges, limes, Kiwi fruit, and lemons should be kept to a minimum.

Diet Pills

Diet pills can cause dry mouth because they cut down the flow of saliva. Cutting calories with diet pills will also cause other problems healthy teeth and gums.

Saliva is your mouths natural defense against dental caries and maintains healthy teeth and gums. Because your saliva contains chemicals that fight cavities, you will not be as susceptible to dry mouth.

Just like the other diets mentioned, diet pills cut calories and leave out important vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy teeth and gums.

Before embarking on any sort of diet, see your doctor. It’s also a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Orange County.

Healthy teeth and gums will help pave the way for a healthy and sensible eating plan. Call Dr. Ringer for a dental checkup today.