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Jupiter Dentist: Fad Diets Increase Risk for Cavities- Be Careful with your New Year’s Resolutions!

January 7, 2015

Fad diets may help individuals shed unwanted pounds, but they can also harm teeth by causing enamel erosion, cavities, and bad breath. Your Jupiter family dentist, Dr. Higham and Dr. Sauchelli discusses some of the latest fad diets and their negative effects on dental health.

The Milkshake Diet

It is difficult to find a smoothie or milkshake that does not contain a fair amount of sugar. This sugar feeds bacteria in our mouth, and the bacteria then produces an acid that attacks and erodes enamel. This can create a hole in our enamel that is called a cavity. In addition, the large amount of sugar leads to spiking and crashing of insulin levels within the body. This can gradually disturb the structure of the collagen in our body. Collagen fibers help to stabilize and support our teeth. If you decide to try this diet, Dr. Higham and Dr. Sauchelli suggests selecting smoothies or milkshakes with low sugar content and rinsing your mouth with water after drinking a smoothie.

Meal Replacement Diet

These diets provide pre-made low calorie meals so that the dieter does not need to worry about calculating the calorie content. However, these meals often reduce fat but inject additional salt and sugar to maintain flavor. This increase in sugar can lead to the formation of cavities. Dr. Higham and Dr. Sauchelli believes that home-cooked meals are the healthiest option for our overall health and dental health.

Low-Carb/ High Protein Diets

Most of us are familiar with the Atkins diet and its many variations. For example, the 5:2 diet involves eating high protein and low-carb foods followed by a few “fast days” which gives the body an opportunity to break down the fat. These kinds of diets often bring about bad breath that cannot be corrected by brushing and flossing.

Juice Cleanses

Juice Cleanses possess a harmfully high sugar content that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Additionally, the high acid content of fruit juices wears down enamel and can cause decay. Dr. Higham and Dr. Sauchelli suggests waiting about 30 minutes after drinking to brush your teeth.

About Your Jupiter Doctors

Dr. Higham and Dr. Sauchelli  provides compassionate, professional family and cosmetic dentistry. To learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment please call 561-746-8095, Dr. Higham and Dr. Sauchelli welcomes and treats families in the Jupiter community since 1986.