Unlocking the Secret: The Impact of Keto Diet on Oral Health & a Sparkling Smile

How Does the Ketogenic Diet Work?

The term “keto” is an abbreviation for “ketogenic,” which refers to diets that cause your body to enter a metabolic state known as ketosis. The human body is built to burn carbs for energy in general. When carbs are unavailable, fat is the next best source of energy. As a byproduct of burning fat for energy, the body produces chemicals known as ketones.

Too many ketones inside the body can be harmful. Thus, most doctors advise only following these diets for a short period. Some people adjust rapidly to a ketogenic state, while others do not. When purposely altering your body’s metabolic state, you must use extreme caution.

Benefits of Keto Diet and Oral Health benefits on Your Body and Oral Cavity

Less Plaque

A keto diet improves your oral health by lowering plaque buildup. Sugars in the food can feed the microorganisms in your mouth and enable them to cultivate further. If sugar is coupled with tartar, a film called plaque is formed on the tooth surface. The plaque will destroy your enamel and irritate your gums, eventually leading to oral problems. While plaque may appear to be frightening, everyone must cope with it throughout their lives.

Even nutritious foods, such as fruits and grains, which are part of a balanced diet, contain sugar, which affects the bacteria and acid in your mouth. If you adopt a keto diet, you eliminate practically all items with enough sugar to nourish microorganisms. Carbohydrates are the primary source of all sugars in your circulation and tongue. If you avoid sweets, you will have significantly less tooth erosion and decay. Of course, you should still brush and floss regularly to maintain your mouth healthy, but it is never a bad idea to decrease the elements that can harm you.

Lesser Number of Cavities

Less plaque equals fewer cavities. Sugars that remain on your teeth cause dental decay. In a sugary atmosphere, the bacteria that cause decay thrive well. Keeping sugar out of your diet can help you avoid getting cavities. A low-carb diet free of candy, sugary fruit, sugary drinks, baked goods, soda, and other similar foods and beverages can help keep your mouth healthy. The ketogenic diet has high fat, lean meat, and low carbohydrate structure. As there are almost no sugars in the keto diet, it will not cause cavities.

Disadvantages of Keto Diet and Oral Health

Dry Mouth Due to Keto Diet:

While a keto diet can help you lose weight and manage some medical concerns, it does not maintain the proper balance of certain ingredients your body requires to stay healthy in the long run. Your internal pH gets more acidic as a result of not eating a well-balanced diet.

Not all carbohydrates are bad for you, and a balanced diet for the average person includes complex carbohydrates that can help you stay energized while also providing various vitamins, minerals, and fiber. When you don’t get enough glucose in your diet, your saliva can turn acidic. Any acid flavor comes from comparing it to the sweet sensation you get from eating a properly balanced diet. The real issue is that increased acidic saliva can cause your mouth to dry out and is bad for your teeth and gums. Saliva naturally kills bacteria and protects the various tissues in your mouth from damage. The acidity and dryness generated by a keto diet will cause oral problems in the long run.

Ketogenic Breath:

If you have researched the keto diet, you must be familiar with the term “keto breath.” Reduced carbohydrate intake can generate an unusual oral odor caused by the conversion of fatty acids into ketones rather than tooth decay or oral infections. Finally, it is more bothersome or unpleasant than dangerous to your dental health.

The metallic odor of keto breath makes it easy to identify; it is comparable to the smell of nail polish. If you have bad breath and other symptoms, it could be a sign of a problem with your teeth or gums. We recommend you schedule an appointment with Dr. Pradeep Adatrow to rule out any systemic issues.

How to treat keto breath?

Following treatments may help with keto breath –

• Chew sugar-free gum.
• Brush and floss regularly.
• Consume lots of water – aids in the removal of ketones from your system.
• Use a mouthwash when you notice an unusual odor.
• Infuse aromatic herbs in water or tea.

Bad breath is usually transient and will go away on its own. If you can’t bear the smell of keto breath, you might want to try a new diet with a different nutritional balance. Finally, keto breath is more bothersome or unpleasant than dangerous to your dental health.

Believe in the Experts When it Comes to Oral Health

Always consult with your dentist and physician before embarking on a new diet. They will assist you in determining the best plan for your requirements. There are, for example, ways to adjust the eating plan, such as limiting carb intake without going ultimately keto. That may be a better alternative for certain people. If you do decide to go all-in, look for fiber-rich foods like avocados and almonds. Taking steps to improve your health is always a good idea. Nothing can replace brushing your teeth and flossing daily for good oral health. Just keep in mind to follow the best for your body, health, and lifestyle.