There’s no shortage of “health” advice touted on television and online. While some advice, like eating plenty of leafy greens and getting regular exercise are good, there’s an abundance of harmful advice circulating. Some popular health trends are downright dangerous for your teeth and gums. Before taking advice from the media or the Internet, be sure to speak with your dentist and your physician.
Following are some popular health fads that can harm your oral health.
Non-Dairy Milk
Non-dairy milks are great for those who are ethically opposed to animal-derived products and for those with dairy intolerances. If you choose to drink almond, oat, or cashew milk, make sure that it is unsweetened. Consuming excess sugar will contribute to erosion of your tooth enamel and potentially inflame your gums.
Non-dairy milks should also contain a decent amount of calcium, preferably 120 milligrams per 3.4 ounces. Calcium is an essential mineral for protecting the mineralized structures in your body like bones and teeth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
If one were to Google “apple cider vinegar” a plethora of web pages promoting this product as a miracle elixir would appear. Most of the information about apple cider vinegar’s health benefits are anecdotal and not rooted in science.
Some websites recommend that people drink a couple ounces of apple cider vinegar, in its full concentration, every day to boost the immune system, control weight, and decrease blood sugar. This advice is harmful, though, because apple cider vinegar is acidic. Drinking and eating acidic items can permanently damage tooth enamel.
Juicing/Juice Cleanses
Juicing fruits and vegetables might seem like an easy way to give your body a nutritious boost. Although very healthy foods like kale and spinach can be juiced, citrus and fruits contain acid and sugar. Consuming these foods too frequently will weaken teeth and increase one’s risks for common oral diseases.
Instead of juicing, try to incorporate more leafy greens and vibrant-colored vegetables into each meal. If you do consume juiced fruits and vegetables, do so with a straw. Drinking with a straw will help reduce contact with your teeth and gums.
For additional information or reserve a checkup or cleaning with our dentist, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today.
