Among the many popular trends and fads these days, the keto diet is among the most well-known. This low carb, high fat diet is something that many people swear by—but while it might be effective for losing weight, did you know it can also impact your oral health in various ways? Here’s more from your dentist in Flower Mound about this diet and how it can influence your smile!
What Is the Keto Diet?
Simply put, the keto diet utilizes very low carb and high fat foods, such as meat, fish, cheese, nuts, and low-carb veggies, to encourage a metabolic process called ketosis. Ketosis occurs when the body runs out of carbohydrates to burn and begins to burn fat instead. Obviously, the burning of fat can positively contribute to weight loss—but this diet also has some unique effects on your smile.
Does the Keto Diet Harm or Help My Oral Health?
The keto diet benefits your oral health in the sense that several of the food choices are low in sugar! Less sugar in your diet means you’re less likely to foster cavity-causing bacteria inside your mouth. The ketosis process also produces molecules called ketones, and they have quite an interesting link to your oral health. According to researchers from the University of Freiburg in Germany, enhanced ketone production has been shown to benefit your smile by lowering tartar build-up, cavities, and gum disease by more than 50%!
However, ketones are also accompanied by one negative and unfortunately harmful side effect: “keto breath.” The primary way that your body purges ketones is through exhalation, and the molecules themselves have a distinct fruity or even funky smell. While this bad breath might be a sign that the diet is working and you’re losing weight, you still don’t want to be strolling around town with this foul breath! The good news is that keto breath often does not last for more than a few weeks at the most.
Knowing how the keto diet influences not just your overall health, but also your oral health, can help you to make smart choices about how to best care for your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Lauri Barge received her DDS from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry and has proudly served patients in the Flower Mound community for several years. Dr. Barge’s practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, please visit the practice’s website or call for assistance: (972) 539-3800.