When it comes to oral care, there are now tons of new ideas, products, and trends that tend to sweep across the Internet and social media platforms, grabbing the attention and interest of people everywhere. But how do you know which ones will actually safely work and which ones are phony or potentially dangerous? Here’s more from your dentist in Lincoln about four of the latest popular trends that aren’t so great for your teeth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar offers a wide range of intended health benefits, whether you drink it straight, dilute it with water, or gargle it. These benefits include calming an upset stomach, curing the hiccups, soothing a sore throat, lowering your cholesterol, losing weight, and boosting your energy—all of which are very tempting! But there are still health risks associated with it, such as an increased chance of cavities and acid erosion to teeth. However, rinsing your mouth with water after drinking apple cider vinegar is a good way to combat the pH imbalance that it creates inside your mouth.
Activated Charcoal
You’ve probably seen some of the many new oral hygiene products, especially toothpastes, that contain activated charcoal. These products claim to totally absorb toxins and stains from your teeth, but there hasn’t been enough evidence found yet to determine whether or not this is entirely true. One thing that’s certain though is the increased risk of enamel damage caused by abrasion, which is the gradual wearing away of enamel due to a gritty or abrasive substance—like activated charcoal. It’s almost like rubbing sandpaper against your teeth; so, it’s best to avoid it.
Lemon Juice
One of the latest fitness trends is the infamous lemon juice detox, and people swear by its ability to help you lose weight quickly. But lemon juice is incredibly acidic, so exposing your teeth to it regularly for consecutive days can wreak havoc on your enamel. Not to mention, skipping food during cleanses reduces your mouth’s ability to produce saliva, since your teeth aren’t chewing as often; this means that bacteria have an even easier time accumulating!
Kombucha
People have consumed kombucha for centuries, as it’s known to have several health benefits including detoxification, improved digestion, immune system stimulation, arthritis and cancer prevention, and even assistance with weight loss. Needless to say, it’s pretty healthy—but not for your teeth! Kombucha is often high in both sugar content and acidity, meaning that it can damage your enamel and leave your teeth extra vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria.
There’s an old saying that goes “don’t believe everything you read on the Internet,” and it certainly applies to these popular trends—so don’t needlessly endanger your teeth! Knowing how to properly take care of your pearly whites will ensure that they look and feel good for the foreseeable future.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding received his dental doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry and has been serving patients and families in the Lincoln area for almost 20 years. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of available services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact Dr. Olberding online or by phone: (402) 488-2325.