Are you considering trying one of the most popular diet plans right now? Does the idea of fewer carbs and more fat sound like a possible solution to help you lose unwanted pounds? The Keto Diet has helped millions of people slim their waistline, but is it really the best for your teeth and gums? If you are wondering about the potential impact of Keto on your dental health, let your local dentist explain its benefits, side effects, and potential pitfalls, so you fully understand whether this diet plan is right for you.
What is Keto?
When hearing the word “Keto,” you might automatically think about the diet, which is understandable. But it is also referred to as ketosis, which is when your body doesn’t have enough carbs in it and goes into this particular metabolic state.
Instead of carbohydrates that cause your metabolism to run effectively, the body, instead, choose to burn fat to generate the energy you need to keep going throughout the day. As a result, the fat cells create ketones, which researchers and scientists believe are much better for the body than carbs.
Should you decide to jump on the Keto bandwagon, you will need to eat foods that are high in fat as well as plenty of protein and avoid those that contain a lot of carbs. The types of foods you’ll need to incorporate into your Keto diet include:
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Fruits (in small portions)
- Veggies that contain no starch
- Fatty proteins
- Healthy fats
How Can it Benefit Your Smile?
As you burn fat and trim your waistline, you will also find that Keto has many benefits when it comes to your oral health, such as:
- It lowers the amount of sugar you consume, so you’ll be at a lower risk for developing tooth decay and cavities
- You’ll be eating more prebiotic foods, which are designed to help you maintain a healthy oral microbiome (bacteria)
- It encourages consumption of Vitamin K2, which is great for creating new tooth enamel and preventing cavities
- Keto also helps to reduce inflammation and prevent gum disease because of the nuts, fatty fish, and other foods that are high in Omega-3
What Are Its Side Effects?
While the Keto Diet does have its many benefits, it also has side effects that you may not be aware of. One of these is that it can produce bad breath because many of the foods consumed are high in fat. This can cause what is referred to as “low-grade acidosis,” which can lead to kidney stones, damaged bone health, and increased inflammation.
To prevent this from happening, make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of leafy greens in addition to those foods that are high in fat. You will need to avoid those that contain lots of acids (i.e. coffee, an overabundance of dairy, alcohol).
Not to mention that eating highly acidic foods can cause your tooth enamel to erode, increasing your risk for cavities and tooth sensitivity.
Potential Pitfalls You Could Face
Probably the most common “pitfall” you can face is the potential for symptoms associated with the “Keto flu.” This usually happens in the beginning and causes nausea, cramps, headaches, and sugar cravings. Bad breath is also a common symptom.
As you begin your Keto journey, the ketones will leave your body through your urine and your mouth. Since you will be making significant changes to the types of foods you will be eating, understand that those high in protein can create a sulfur-like odor within your mouth, hence, bad breath.
If you want to avoid this pitfall at all cost, or at least the bad breath, try chewing sugarless gum or sip on some water. It is also suggested that you use a tongue scraper to remove sulfur build up.
All in all, Keto is believed to be a good choice if you want to lose a bit of weight without compromising your teeth and gums. Not only will you be incorporating healthier foods into your diet, but you will see a noticeable difference in your body and your smile.
About the Practice
Dupont Family Dentistry has four dental professionals who all strive to meet the same goal, which is to help patients achieve happier, healthier smiles. Providing the best preventive services in the area, our team works hard to ensure every individual who seeks treatment at our office understands how to care for their oral health at home and what can help or hinder it in the process. From brushing techniques to nutrition and diet, we can offer valuable insight that will help you make the right choices about your dental health. To learn more about what you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy, contact us at (253) 964-7000.