Have you been known to try out some of the latest fads that you see circulating online? Many of them have health benefits and they can help you reach certain goals, like weight loss. However, you may not think about how they affect your smile. It is important to consider your dental health whenever you are trying out a new diet or trend. After all, the mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. Continue reading to learn about some of the latest popular trends and why they aren’t all a great thing for your smile.
Apple Cider Vinegar
There are many different health benefits of consuming apple cider vinegar. There are all sorts of claims that it can help to calm an upset stomach, sooth your sore throat, and even lower your cholesterol. However, apple cider vinegar isn’t great for your teeth. Your teeth are vulnerable to acidic substances, and this type of vinegar is so acidic that it can actually cause your enamel to dissolve after too much exposure. In the end, you are increasing your risk for cavities. If you want to keep apple cider vinegar in your diet, make sure that you are rinsing your mouth out with water afterwards to lower the pH.
Lemon Juice Detox
This popular detox is generally used as an effort to drop a few pounds. You may have heard of some of your favorite celebrities using this one in order to prepare for a big role. The recipe includes lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and water. The issue with it is that the beverage is very acidic, making it more likely that you will experience tooth decay. Also, going without solid foods for 10 days can also spell trouble because you won’t be producing as much saliva from chewing. Ultimately, this could mean additional oral health issues.
Sparkling Water
You may have already notices that sparkling water has become all the rage as of late. It is a great alternative to soda or juice, but if you have the choice between still or sparkling water, you are better off going with still. Sparkling water is acidic, so it will lower the pH in your mouth, causing the enamel to weaken.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that has become increasingly popular in the past few months. It has benefits like detoxification, improved digestion, immune system stimulation, arthritis relief, and cancer prevention. However, it is important to note that kombucha is also fairly acidic and sometimes there is added sugar.
Activated Charcoal
Many new oral hygiene products contain activated charcoal. They are added with the idea that they absorb toxins and stains, leading to whiter teeth and healthier gums. However, there is not enough evidence out there to prove that this is effective. In fact, these products are often too abrasive for the teeth, causing enamel wear over time.
Just because a trend is popular doesn’t mean that it’s the best idea. Be sure that you do your own research beforehand so that you can make informed decisions. This way, you can prevent oral health issues later on.
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Brong earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California in San Francisco and has completed post-graduate training in implant dentistry and laser dentistry. To learn some more ways to prevent oral health issues or to schedule an appointment at his office in Rochester, MN, visit his website or call (507) 288-1066.
