Did you know that a keto diet does more than help you lose weight? It also contributes to your dental health! This fad is popular with people from all walks of life, whether they’re celebrities or your next-door neighbor. Many who tried it have successfully watched their waistlines shrink. They might not have known, however, that they were simultaneously improving their smiles. Keep reading to learn more about how a keto diet enhances your oral well-being.
What is the Keto Diet?
Essentially, it means you’ll eliminate carbs to the best of your ability while eating foods high in fat like meat, fish, cheese, and low-carb vegetables to kick-start a process known as ketosis. This refers to a switch in how your body produces energy. Instead of gaining it through carbohydrates that you’ve recently eaten, it’s forced to burn fat, instead.
How Does a Keto Diet Improve My Oral Health?
Eating a keto diet can impact how healthy your teeth are by reducing the amount of sugar you consume. This sweet ingredient is a simple carbohydrate and is discouraged from a keto diet. That’s good news for your pearly whites because sugar attracts harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay. Furthermore, researchers from the University of Freiburg in Germany found that increased production of ketones lowered gum disease, tartar build-up, and cavities by more than 50%.
Can a Keto Diet Hurt My Teeth?
For the most part, the changes you’ll make when starting a keto diet are smile-friendly and won’t harm you. There is one drawback to be aware of, however. When you cut back on carbs, your liver begins producing more ketones to fuel your muscles and brain. It comes with a temporary side effect often referred to as “keto breath”. You might notice that you’re producing a fruity or acetone smell. If your mouth is full of microbes, however, it can be quite unpleasant and is commonly known as “dragon breath”.
Fortunately, this doesn’t last longer than a month in most cases and can be prevented by:
- Drinking plenty of water. Eating produces saliva which is your body’s natural disinfectant. When you start your diet, you’ll eat less which can lead to dry mouth. Drinking water rinses germs away and keeps your systems hydrated.
- Maintaining your dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing twice a day is an essential aspect of preventative care and eradicates toxic bacteria.
If you’re interested in starting this diet, you’ll benefit both your body and your smile!
About the Practice
At St. Albans Dental, patients of all ages benefit from two dentists who provide a full range of services under one roof. Their dedicated dental team is committed to high-quality care customized to meet your needs. With modern dental technology, you’re sure to receive the most up-to-date treatments that give you long-lasting results. Whether you require a checkup or a more complex therapy, they have solutions that can help. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (802) 524-4844.