Dieting and teeth and gums should be of concern. Your overall and oral health is affected by the food you eat. You are probably aware of what you shouldn’t eat, but what if you are trying to be healthy by eating less.
According to Dr. Jeffrey Gilmor from the Glen Dental Center in Glenview, dieting and teeth and gums don’t have to have a negative effect on your oral health. However, diets that limit your caloric intake and diets that restrict certain nutrients will eventually cause tooth decay and gum disease. If you are constantly on some sort of diet, it will begin to show when you smile.
No Carb Keto Diet
All the rage, the Keto diet, when done properly, puts your body into ketosis. Ketosis happens when your body burns fat instead of carbs. No carb diets aren’t necessarily bad for your teeth, but will cause Keto breath. People who follow the keto diet will have breath that smells like old or rotten fruit or acetone. If your brother is in ketosis and smells like nail polish remover, you will know his diet has been successful.
Low Calorie Diet
Diets that restrict caloric intake also restrict nutritional intake. If you aren’t eating the foods you need to maintain a healthy intake of calories during the day, malnutrition could be an issue. Choose foods that contain vitamins and minerals. Veggies and low calorie snacks that are nutritious will keep your teeth and gums healthy. The Glen Dental Center in Chicago recommends that you see your primary care physician to find a healthy diet that is low in calories.
Diet Pills
They may take the weight off quickly, but diet pills lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth prevents your salivary glands from doing their job. Your saliva naturally cleans the food particles and bacteria from your mouth. Dr. Gilmor explains that dry mouth leads to all sorts of dental problems including gingivitis and tooth decay.
Fruit Diet
Those diets that consist of fruit most are citrus, cause serious problems for your teeth. Most people know how sucking on a lemon can eat a way the enamel on your teeth. The same goes for a fruit diet. If you must live on fruit, stay with less acidic varieties and include some veggies with the eating plan. Make sure to drink plenty of water and rinse after eating acidic fruits.
If you would like to know more about dieting and teeth and gums, contact your doctor and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Chicago, Dr. Jeffrey Gilmor.
Knowing what to expect and preventing tooth decay and gum disease is the first step in a successful diet plan. Call for a dental appointment today.