Diet Choices That Could Have Adverse Effects on Your Oral Health

Dieting could come about in your life for many reasons. Class reunions, photo shoots, weigh-ins for sports, or even medical necessity could dictate a diet switch. While many diets offer benefits for your body and your teeth, there are some negative aspects to some of the trendier diets that need to be addressed.

If you’re curious about which diets hit this list and what effects they have on your teeth, continue reading.

The Vegetarian Diet

There are very few problems with the vegetarian way of life. It’s generally a healthy alternative to eating a more traditional diet that integrates proteins from meat. However, there are concerns about increased erosion in teeth due to their high consumption of fruit.

Fruit is also full of sugar, and while it is naturally occurring, it still spikes blood glucose levels and adds to the prevalence of tooth decay. There are also acidic elements in many fruits that add to erosion.

The Coffee Diet

It’s hard to imagine that there is a diet that exists for heavy coffee drinkers, but then you remember that the internet exists, and that people are on it spreading all kinds of information—good intentioned or otherwise.

With this diet, you’re supposed to drink a cup of black coffee after every meal, before bathing, and just before exercise. The idea is to utilize caffeine’s natural fat-burning properties to stimulate your body.

However, coffee is very acidic and full of tannins that stain teeth and cause bad breath. While a cup of coffee a day chased with some water might offer some health benefits without negatively affecting your teeth too much, excessive coffee use will wear down your enamel, stain your teeth, and cause halitosis.

The Grazing Diet

Many people, including celebrities, swear by eating several smaller meals throughout the day instead of three big ones. While there is some evidence to support these claims, the reviews from the medical community are mixed.

As far as your dentist is concerned, however, this dieting technique can do far more harm than good. After a meal, your teeth become more vulnerable to damage for about an hour. During this time, repeated stress can cause chips and cracks more easily.

While all foods carry an inherent risk of causing cavities, gum disease, and other issues without proper care, diets are forming habits of eating specific foods. Before embarking on a new diet, ask your dentist to see what concerns they have for your oral health going forward. This way, you can have a healthy smile to go with your healthy body!

About the Practice

Dr. Sowmya Kumar is a bright and talented dentist who truly loves to see her patients grow in confidence with their smiles. After earning her dental doctorate at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, she went on to lead the team at Premier Walk-In Dental, contributing to academic research and expanding her knowledge every day. To schedule an appointment, call (321) 631-4334 or visit the website to delve into other services.