If you’re a fan of fads, you’ve probably heard of the keto diet. This popular trend involves eating fewer low-carb foods and replacing them with fats and protein for energy. While many people have enjoyed health advantages and weight loss by sticking to this plan, did you know it can also impact your oral health? Continue reading to learn more!
What Does the Keto Diet Do?
Before diving into how the keto diet affects your dental condition, it’s important to first understand how it works. Your body breaks down carbs into glucose, or blood sugar, which often becomes its main source of energy. When you remove them from your diet and eat fats instead, your body shifts into a metabolic state known as ketosis. That means that it’s burning fat to power itself instead of glucose. This results in weight loss and reduced appetite in addition to having potential benefits against diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and certain cancers.
How Does the Keto Diet Positively Impact My Oral Health?
Any major shift in the foods you eat is bound to influence your teeth and gums in some capacity. When it comes to the keto diet, many positive changes can occur including:
- Decreased bacteria. Carbohydrates turn into sugar in your system which attracts unhealthy microbes that contribute to oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
- Fewer cavities. Toxic germs in your mouth produce acids that wear away your enamel. That makes it easier for germs to penetrate your teeth and form cavities. The keto diet eliminates a lot of bacteria which means you’re less likely to develop tooth decay.
- Less plaque buildup. When you chew, particles from the foods you eat stick to your teeth and along your gumline. If you don’t regularly brush or floss it away, it creates a film known as plaque. This causes gum disease which, if left unaddressed, can progress to the point that it enters your bloodstream and travels throughout your body.
What is Keto Breath?
Though this diet does help your mouth in several ways, it also causes a phenomenon known as ‘keto breath’. If you notice that your breath smells fruity or acidic, you’ve probably entered ketosis. You can combat it by drinking more water to rinse away unwanted microbes for a more pleasant scent. You can also brush and floss your teeth more thoroughly to stay fresh. Fortunately, this symptom is usually temporary and will clear up on its own as your body adjusts to the dietary changes.
As you can see, the keto diet can improve not only your physical health but also your dental well-being!
About the Practice
At Painted Skies Dental Center, patients of all ages benefit from two experts who provide a wide range of services under one roof. They take the time to get to know your medical history and dental concerns to provide individualized treatment plans just for you. With state-of-the-art technology onsite, they can quickly and accurately identify problem areas to treat them before they progress. If you’re starting the keto diet and would like a checkup, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (575) 521-8720.