5 Popular Trends That Are Bad for Your Teeth

With all the health information available to you, it should be a piece of cake to ensure your teeth stay clean and healthy. Many people are also promoting certain diets or products that can improve overall well-being. While several of these may have certain health benefits, some can actually be harmful to your smile. Your dentist in Midland suggests five popular trends you should avoid.

Trend #1: Apple Cider Vinegar

People who drink apple cider vinegar claim it has a variety of healthy advantages, including calming an upset stomach, relieving a sore throat, or losing weight. However, the risks are an increased chance of cavities and a higher chance of acid damage to your teeth. Due to the acidity of the vinegar, this can lead to the deterioration of the enamel.

Trend #2: Lemon Juice Detox

The act of cleansing the body of toxins is a popular trend, especially when it suggests you can also lose weight through the process. However, the most well-known lemon juice detox—the Master Cleanse—contains strong acids and is packed with sugar. In addition, this method asks that you refrain from solid foods for some time. By not chewing, you won’t stimulate saliva flow that can naturally wash away acids and bacteria.

Trend #3: Sparkling Water

Although sparking water won’t stain your teeth like sodas, it doesn’t mean it’s free of risks. Some of these drinks contain citric acid for the fruity flavors, making it similar in acidity as sports drinks. Even sipping on some throughout the day can create a low pH environment in your mouth, weakening the enamel and allowing for bacteria to create cavities.

Trend #4: Kombucha

This fermented tea has been used for more than 2000 years, and though it can benefit your digestive and immune system, it contains high acidity and plenty of sugar. Since cavity-causing bacteria primarily feed on sugars, drinking kombucha can increase your risk of infection if you don’t rinse your mouth afterwards.

Trend #5: Activated Charcoal

Using activated charcoal as an alternative for teeth whitening is very popular today. The problem with it is the damage it can cause to your enamel by abrasion. This is the gradual wearing down of the surface by a gritty substance, comparable to using sandpaper on your teeth.

Many people give suggestions on how to boost or beautify your smile, but the safest practice is to clean your teeth the way your dentist recommends. With their expert advice, you can ensure your smile is both healthy and safe.

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps has practiced dentistry with a passion for building healthy smiles for over 20 years. With an excellent team using the latest in dental technology, she provides large range of treatments and can give you the best advice for keeping your teeth clean! If you want to learn more about what products are best for your smile, visit her website or call (432) 570-4433.