When many people look into their dieting options, they are more concerned about their overall well-being than their dental health. The Keto diet has captured the attention of many health nuts because it claims to help people lose weight quickly, but how does it affect people’s teeth? Here’s what your dentist would like you to know about the Keto diet, including a few of its benefits as well as a few ways to manage the associated risks.
How Does the Keto Diet Work?
Carbohydrates like sugar represent chemical energy that your body can easily absorb and burn, but your body will start feeding on its fat reserves if carbohydrate levels are insufficient. When your body is burning fat instead of sugar, it enters a state called ketosis, and it allows the body to lose weight quickly.
How Can the Keto Diet Help My Oral Health?
The Keto diet has its share of benefits for your oral health. The first of these is that it excludes refined sugar like that found in candies, pastries, sauces, and soda. When you eat sugar, it leaves a residue on your teeth, and the harmful bacteria that live in your mouth can’t get enough of the stuff. Residual sugar in your mouth allows these bacteria to multiply rapidly and cause infections like tooth decay and gum disease. Abstaining from sugary foods and drinks is a great way to keep your teeth healthy.
Can the Keto Diet Hurt My Oral Health?
When your body is in a state of ketosis, it produces chemicals called ketones as it burns its fat reserves. While they don’t cause tooth decay or any other form of damage, increased ketone levels can cause your breath to take on a metallic scent. A few ways to combat this include drinking plenty of water to dilute the ketones and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow while leaving a minty taste in your mouth. However, it’s possible that this smell will go away after you practice the Keto diet for a long time and your body has had a chance to adapt to it.
While it will always be necessary to brush and floss your teeth every day, your dietary decisions can affect the health of your gums in profound ways. Consulting with your doctor or dentist can help determine if the Keto diet is a good fit for you.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School and remains committed to continuing his education by taking many advanced courses every year. He takes special joy in relieving people’s pain and helping them to live better lives. His office in San Antonio, TX offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about how your eating decisions can affect your oral health, contact his office online or dial (210) 903-5565.