04 Oct Don’t Let These Trends Harm Your Oral Health
We all want to be the healthiest version of ourselves possible. So when you read about a new trend that promises to lower blood sugar, reduce blood pressure, or help you lose weight, you may be tempted to give them a try. But before you do, reach out to your family dentist to see if the new trend could be harmful to your dental health.
Some Trends You May Have Heard About
Lemon Water – Whether consumed hot or cold, some will swear that the health benefits from drinking lemon water are tried and true. Lemons are loaded with vitamin C, which we need to maintain great health. But they are also highly acidic. So if you enjoy lemon in your water, be aware that the little yellow fruit that flavors your water or tea can be eating away at the enamel that protects your teeth from dental decay.
Non-dairy and Milk Substitutes – Popular diets or conscientious beliefs may discourage you from drinking cow’s milk. Just read labels on any milk substitute you are considering. Vitamine D and calcium are much needed nutrients for oral and overall health, so make sure your alternate choice is not depriving you of these health benefits.
Juice Cleansing – Seen as a way to detox the body of harmful contaminants, the highly acidic value of many of these cleanses can result in damaged dental enamel.
Bottled Water – We are encouraged to drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. But drinking only bottled water may mean you are missing out on the fluoride needed to keep teeth healthy. Consult your family dentist so you learn other ways to supply the fluoride you may not be getting from drinking tap water.
Chewing Ice – Whatever reason you have for munching on ice such as a way to reduce food cravings, quit smoking, or a habit you developed that you thought was harmless … you need to reconsider. Ice is very hard and chewing on it can result in fractured teeth and enamel loss. Try chewing sugar-free gum instead.
Good Oral Health Trends to Follow
Tongue Scraping – Helps eliminate bacteria that can promote the onset of gum disease and dental decay.
Brushing and Flossing – Done daily, you will be promoting good dental health. This coupled with visits to your family dentist at Aesthetic Dental Partners every six months will aid in great overall health.