With all the fads that that make their rounds on the internet, it’s easy to get drawn into them. Though the world wide web is full of all kinds of useful tips and tricks about anything from how to maintain a healthy diet to how to brighten your smile, some of them can actually do more harm than good. Here are a few popular trends that are bad for teeth youyou should avoid to keep your mouth healthy.
Kombucha
This fermented tea offers benefits such as improved digestion, arthritis relief, detoxification, immune system stimulation, and cancer prevention. Since kombucha is acidic and store-bought brands tend to contain lots of added sugar, this makes the formation of cavities and other oral health issues more likely. Most bottles also contain more than two servings, meaning drinking the whole thing exposes your teeth to even more sugar and acid than intended.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be beneficial to people suffering from an upset stomach, sore throat, or high cholesterol. Even so, this highly acidic substance can be very harmful to your tooth enamel and lead to it dissolving over time, which increases your risk of tooth decay. If you do drink apple cider vinegar, make sure to rinse with water to help return the pH levels in your mouth back to normal.
Sparkling Water
Though it may be a great alternative to soda, drinking sparkling water isn’t completely risk free. Flavored sparkling water normally contains added citric acid to create lemon, orange, and lime flavors. The acidity of this drink creates a low pH environment in the mouth which weakens tooth enamel and makes your teeth more susceptible to decay.
Activated Charcoal
From toothpaste to capsules, countless oral health products contain activated charcoal and claim it absorbs toxins and stains, which leads to whiter teeth and healthier gums. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough evidence to prove that activated charcoal is actually effective at reducing discoloration, and these products tend to be too abrasive for the teeth. This gradually wears down enamel and gives harmful bacteria access to your teeth.
Lemon Juice Detox
This popular health trend claims to help you lose weight, and the recipe consists of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and water. The extreme acidity of this drink combined with the sugar from the maple syrup means bad news for your tooth enamel. Since it also only contains liquids (and a little spice), the lack of chewing means you aren’t producing an adequate amount of saliva to help keep gum disease, cavities, and acid erosion at bay.
When you see a new popular trend online, it’s imperative to do your own research before trying it out. This way, you can avoid unpleasant consequences and keep your mouth safe and sound!
About the Author
Advanced Smile Design is here to help the families of Willow Grove keep their smiles healthy and happy. They aim to make visits as stress-free as possible so you can receive the convenient, comfortable care you deserve. Dr. Patel and team provide fully personalized, world-class treatment for each patient through use of the latest materials and technology. For more information on popular trends that are bad for teeth or to schedule an appointment, visit Advanced Smile Design’s website or call their office at (215) 659-3334.
