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Whether it’s to fit into some old clothes or reach a healthier BMI, there are several reasons why people want to eat cleaner and drop a few pounds. However, did you know your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health? Believe it or not, what you eat can affect your teeth just as much as brushing and flossing. Read along to find out which three popular diet trends can harm your smile and how you can adjust them to prevent damage.

Juice Cleanses

It may seem like a no-brainer to follow a juice diet. After all, fruits and vegetables are a crucial part of a healthy diet, so a juice cleanse must be good for your body – right?

Well, juice cleanse diets are actually not all they’re cracked up to be. When you only drink juice, you’re missing out on the fiber and nutrients your body needs to keep your hair, nails, skin, and teeth healthy. Natural fruit juice is also high in acid and sugar, meaning it can wear down your enamel, weaken your teeth, and can even lead to decay and cavities.

Tooth-Friendly Adjustment

Most people follow juice-cleanse diets because they claim it detoxifies the digestive system. However, nutrition experts say that your digestive doesn’t need to detoxify, so this diet is completely unnecessary. Instead of juicing, consider upping your intake of fruits and vegetables in their whole form! But if you do decide to juice cleanse, make sure you drink through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Also, never brush your teeth immediately after drinking juice as it can damage your smile.

Raw Food Diets

People claim that eating raw foods (i.e., fruits, vegetables, nuts) can help your body get all the nutrients it needs without unhealthy preservatives and chemicals. While there’s nothing wrong with following raw food diet, overconsumption is what can damage your teeth. The natural sugar in fruit can lead to decay, and seeds can get stuck in your teeth and encourage bacteria growth.

Tooth-Friendly Adjustment

Luckily, there are some raw foods that can benefit your oral health! Almonds, apples, pears, and spinach are great for your teeth and waistline. Since they require significant chewing, it stimulates the production of saliva, a natural cleansing agent that your mouth produces.   

Small Meals

Many dieticians and celebrities recommend eating several small meals throughout the day to keep the waistline slim. However, one problem with this approach is that the more often you eat during the day, the more time your teeth are susceptible to damage.

It doesn’t matter if you’re eating healthy snacks and small meals – your enamel can still wear down if you eat frequently and fail to care for your teeth in between meals.

Tooth-Friendly Adjustment

If you’re going to follow this diet trend, make sure you establish a consistent oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice and floss daily. Right after eating, rinse your mouth with water to dislodge food particles and prevent cavities. Also, be mindful of the foods you eat. Avoid sugary and acidic treats as they can increase your risk of decay.

As you can see, your diet affects more than just your waistline. Eating foods that benefit your oral and bodily health can help you maintain a strong, confident smile that will last for years!