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These days there are tons of new ideas, products, and trends flooding the Internet and grabbing the attention of people everywhere. There are life hacks, health tips and bits of advice for virtually every topic—especially oral care. But with so many trends out there, how do you know which ones will safely work and which ones are phony or potentially dangerous? Keep reading to learn more from your dentist in Highland Park about five of the latest popular trends that are bad news for your teeth.
#1: Apple Cider Vinegar
There are many benefits that apple cider vinegar has to offer including calming an upset stomach, curing the hiccups, soothing a sore throat, lowering cholesterol, losing weight, and boosting energy. But as tempting as these awesome benefits are, there are still oral health risks associated with consuming it. These include an increased chance of cavities and acid erosion to your teeth. However, rinsing your mouth with water after drinking apple cider vinegar is a good way to counter the pH imbalance that it creates inside your mouth.
#2: Activated Charcoal
There are many new products out there that contain activated charcoal as an ingredient and claim they’re able to totally absorb toxins and stains from your teeth. But there hasn’t been enough evidence found to prove if this is entirely true. One thing’s for certain, though—your enamel is at risk of damage caused by abrasion, which is the gradual wearing away of enamel du to a gritty or abrasive substance, like activated charcoal.
#3: Kombucha
Kombucha has been consumed for centuries for its many health benefits including detoxification, improved digestion, immune system stimulation, arthritis and cancer prevention, and even assistance with weight loss. However, the drink is high in both sugar content and acidity, meaning that it can damage your enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria.
#4: Lemon Juice
People claim that lemon juice detoxes are excellent for losing weight quickly. But lemon juice is incredibly acidic, so exposing your teeth to it regularly for consecutive days can wreak havoc on your enamel. Not to mention, skipping food during cleansing periods means that your mouth is chewing less often and producing less saliva, which can lead to bacteria accumulating more easily.
#5: Sparkling Water
Even though sparkling water is technically better for your teeth than other carbonated drinks like soda, it’s still not completely risk-free. The beverage is still acidic, so it’s best to consume it during a meal so that your saliva can counteract the acid it contains.
Many of these popular trends that are supposed to help your teeth can actually spell bad news for them! That said, knowing what fads to avoid and taking proper care of your teeth will ensure that your smile remains bright, white, and without issue.
About the Practice
Highland Smiles Dental proudly serves patients and families in the Dallas, TX area under the leadership of Dr. Girish Sandadi. Dr. Sandadi received his dental doctorate from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and is a member of many professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His practice is pleased to offer several available services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry options. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone: (214) 528-9990.