It’s that time of year when many of us like to take a good look at our lifestyles and make some changes for the better. Maybe you’ve bought yourself a new gym membership, or you’re cutting down on cigarettes, but the most common new year’s resolution is, of course, going on a diet. This can be a great way of getting healthier after an overindulgent Christmas, but when it comes to your dental health, not all diets are as good for you as you might think.
One of the most popular diets in recent years has been the Juice Diet. Juicing can certainly add a layer of convenience to consuming fruit and vegetables, as it’s a quick and easy way of getting many of the benefits of healthy foods into your body. However, there is a downside. Fruits are high in naturally occurring sugars, which, when consumed as a juice without using a straw, coat the inside of the mouth and contribute to tooth decay. On top of that, the juicing process separates the sugars from the fibre in the fruit. One of fibre’s most useful functions in our diet is to prevent insulin levels spiking when we consume sugars. Without fibre, our insulin levels can become dangerously high if we consume sugars in large amounts.
It’s not just sugar that can be a problem in juice. The acid found in fruit and vegetables also contributes to the erosion of enamel on teeth. Such a concentrated dose of fruit and vegetables in liquid form can do real damage to your oral health!
Taking extra care of your body in the new year is certainly a great idea, just make sure that you’re looking after your teeth as well as your waistline! If you’re worried about tooth decay, our friendly, knowledgeable and helpful team would be more than happy to discuss your concerns with you. Get in touch with us today!