Liliya Kuzmenkova, dentist, candidate of medical sciences, founder of dental centers, told how popular diets affect the condition of the oral cavity and how to take into account their features to maintain a healthy smile.
Liliya Kuzmenkova
Liliya Kuzmenkova
Keto diet
Keto is a diet in which a person sharply limits carbohydrate intake, eating mainly protein and fatty foods. Thus, the body enters a state of ketosis, in which the main source of energy is fat, and not glucose, as in a normal diet.
Followers of this diet notice not only weight loss, but also unpleasant consequences for their teeth and gums. Ketosis causes dry mouth, which leads to plaque, tartar, and tooth decay. In addition, there is an unpleasant odor from the mouth, which even got its name “keto breath”.
When fats are broken down, they release acetone, and when fat is consumed excessively, there is so much acetone that the body is unable to process it, and it manifests itself through breathing.
Dentist recommendations for the keto diet:
- increase your water intake to produce enough saliva;
- Avoid sugary drinks: When cutting carbs, it’s tempting to drink a can of sugar-free soda, but the phosphoric acid it contains leaches calcium and eats away enamel. Give preference to herbal tea or plain water;
- When choosing sweet foods, choose natural sugar substitutes such as stevia or xylitol to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Vegetarianism
Vegetarians give up meat, focusing on plant-based foods. The downside here is increased tooth wear. This is due to the fact that the food included in their diet is often denser and requires more thorough chewing.
In pursuit of the desired weight, we must not forget about the impact of the chosen nutrition plan on oral health.
Dentist recommendations for vegetarians:
- for vegetarians, it is important to ensure a balance of all essential nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, zinc, which play a key role in the health of teeth and gums;
- Limit your intake of acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and carbonated drinks, to prevent enamel erosion.
- Take a saliva test every 3-6 months to adjust the pH to the required levels using additional products.
Intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting is an eating regimen that involves taking long (up to 16 hours) intervals between meals. The main danger to teeth is a change in the acid-base balance of the oral cavity.
Periods of fasting provoke “acid attacks” on the enamel, contributing to its destruction.
Source: Freepik.com
Dentist recommendations for intermittent fasting:
- Chew chewing gum every 3-4 hours. Chewing sugar-free gum promotes the production of saliva and maintains the acid balance in the mouth;
- rinse your mouth after eating – this will help neutralize excess acidity and also further mineralize the enamel. It is better to use calcium-containing solutions;
- Reduce your intake of acidic drinks such as soda to prevent enamel erosion.
Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, olive oil and fish, is considered the safest and healthiest eating system.
The Mediterranean diet provides the body with antioxidants, which slows down the aging process and supports healthy gums.
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and are beneficial in preventing periodontitis. Replacing saturated fat with olive oil reduces gum inflammation and strengthens tooth enamel. A variety of foods provides vitamins and minerals important for healthy teeth and gums.
Dentist’s recommendations:
- With the Mediterranean diet, recommendations for maintaining oral health will be standard: regular visits to the dentist, good hygiene and stopping smoking.
2024-02-07 04:29:28
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