Keto Diet and Dental Health
The Keto Diet…either you have tried it yourself or have a friend who has. The goal of the diet is to put the body into a state of ketosis, which is achieved by radically restricting carbohydrates.
Does Being on a Keto Diet Reduce My Risk for Cavities?
Yes and No. While low-carb diets certainly eliminate many of the foods that can lead to tooth decay, the diet itself can cause dry mouth. Because you are not consuming a balanced diet, your internal pH becomes more acidic. When your saliva is acidic and dry mouth becomes an issue, your teeth and gums suffer the consequences.
Without a healthy salivary flow to neutralize acids, any bacteria-causing decay is not washed away, leading to increased plaque. Depending on the levels of plaque, subsequently the gums can also become inflamed. Healthy salivary flow helps neutralize acids, keeps bacteria-causing decay in check, and overall maintains a healthy pH balance in your mouth.
“Keto Breath”
Reducing carbs can result in an odd oral odor, caused by ketones rather than dental decay or oral infections. Ultimately, it is more annoying or embarrassing than it is harmful to your oral health. To combat this, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Chewing sugar-free gum between meals can also help. Remember to brush twice a day and to floss every day to keep your teeth and gums happy…and don’t forget to visit us for your regular check-ups, which, of course, will make US happy!
Questions? Please reach out to us by phone at (781) 942-2020, by e-mail at info@drkhull.com, or head over to the Contact tab of our website.
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