Every week, there is a new fad that emerges on the internet. Unfortunately, social media encourages people to jump on the bandwagon without taking the time to do any research on the topic. There are five trends that are currently buzzing, and your dentist in Hoover says they can be bad for your teeth. Continue reading to find out what they are so you can prevent a dental mishap!
Apple Cider Vinegar
According to internet health enthusiasts, apple cider vinegar offers a wide range of health benefits. You can drink it straight, dilute it with water or gargle it. It’s said that the compound can be used to calm an upset stomach, cure hiccups, sooth a sore throat, lower cholesterol, eliminate body fat and replenish your energy.
While these claims may be true, it should be noted that there is a chance of seriously damaging your teeth when drinking the mixture. It has a pH of 3.3 to 3.5, making it quite acidic and a threat to your tooth enamel.
Lemon Juice Detox
You may have heard of a lemon juice detox called the Master Cleanse. It claims to help the body remove toxins and encourage rapid weight loss. The concoction includes fresh lemon or lime juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water.
The inclusion of acidic lemon or lime juice and sugary maple syrup poses challenges. Bathing your teeth in these two ingredients can result in enamel damage and a greater risk of developing cavities.
Sparkling Water
For many people, drinking sparkling water is a way to get the fizz that carbonated sodas provide without consuming the sugar and calories. For others, it’s simply an alternative to plain water.
While drinking sparkling water is certainly less harmful for your teeth than soda, it still isn’t completely risk-free. The carbonated water is acidic, and the flavored versions typically add citric acid to the lemon, lime or orange flavors. This makes it even more corrosive, and it can contribute to tooth enamel erosion and cavity development.
Kombucha
While kombucha is buzzing on the internet, it isn’t new. Historical records show that people have been drinking kombucha for over 2,000 years. The following health benefits have been associated with it:
- Weight loss
- Detoxification
- Improved digestion
- Immune system stimulation
- Arthritis and cancer prevention
The challenge is that kombucha can be high in acid and sugar. Its preparatory instructions typically call for completing the brewing process when the pH reaches 3, which makes it highly acidic. Store-bought options aren’t any safer, as they usually contain as much as 10 grams of sugar per serving.
Activated Charcoal
It’s believed that activated charcoal can help promote good oral health, with the ability to absorb toxins and stains. According to a 2017 paper published by the American Dental Association (ADA), scientific studies about activated charcoal were inconclusive.
However, its usage has been found to pose a threat to teeth because of the abrasives it contains. They can gradually wear away the enamel.
Before using any of the above methods or products, pay your family dentist in Hoover a visit so you can explain what you’re looking to accomplish. By keeping him or her in the loop, you can learn about alternative methods to achieve your goals without risking damage to your teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Marc W. Moulton earned his dental degree from the University of Alabama Dental School. Understanding the importance of lifelong learning, he advances his knowledge by taking continuing education courses, which includes training at the prestigious Spear Institute. Dr. Moulton meets the varied needs of his patients at Moulton Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.