If you spend much time on social media, you know that there are new health and beauty trends that come out all the time. But while wanting to improve your health or appearance can certainly be a good thing, there can also be unwanted side effects that you aren’t aware of. Keep reading to learn about 3 popular trends that are bad for your teeth, and why a dentist recommends either keeping them to a minimum or eliminating them altogether!
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Drinking apple cider vinegar is said to provide many different health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, boosting energy, and even helping with weight loss. But with a highly acidic pH of 3.3 to 3.5, it can wear away at the protective outer layer of teeth called enamel, especially if you consume it often. Regularly exposing your teeth to acid not only impacts your existing dental work but also increases your risk of cavities.
While there are tricks to lessen the damage of ACV (such as diluting a small amount in water and drinking it with a straw), keep in mind that it can still cause damage to your teeth over time, so you’ll want to keep it to a minimum.
2. Charcoal
These days, everyone wants beautiful white teeth – and understandably so. In fact, Americans spend an estimated 1.4 billion dollars on whitening products each year!
But one recent fad that can do more harm than good is using charcoal to remove stains. Since charcoal is very abrasive, it wears away at your enamel and can do some serious damage over time. Fortunately, a dentist can give you a professional whitening treatment that’s not only much safer for your teeth but also provides superior results.
3. Whitening With Lemon and Baking Soda
Another popular trend you may have heard of is using lemon juice and baking soda to whiten your teeth. Unfortunately, combining something acidic like lemon juice with something abrasive like baking soda will wear away your enamel very quickly, making it a recipe for major dental problems. On top of that, it simply isn’t an effective whitening method.
If you’d like to brighten your smile, your best bet is to schedule a visit with a dentist who provides a wide range of cosmetic dental services. They’ll not only give you beautiful results but will also make sure you don’t damage your teeth (or need expensive dental work down the road to repair them!)
About the Author
As a family dentist with nearly 10 years of experience, Dr. Katherine Paret is truly passionate about improving her patients’ health and well-being. She’s always happy to educate people on the risks of various health fads so they can avoid potential pitfalls and maintain a healthy smile. If you have any questions or want to know more about trends that are bad for your teeth, she can be reached via her website or at (207) 200-4106.