5 Popular Trends That Can Be Harmful to Your Teeth

Have you heard about the latest oral health trends circulating the internet? While many of them are fashionable and exciting, some can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. Since it’s difficult to know which ones are harmful to your smile, it’s best to do diligent research before trying anything to preserve your oral health. Read on to learn about five popular trends that are bad for your teeth!

#1: Activated Charcoal

Some of the newest kinds of teeth cleaning products to arrive on the market contain activated charcoal. This ingredient is known for its ability to absorb stains and toxins, which can result in healthier gums and brighter teeth. Even so, there isn’t sufficient evidence or research that proves the effectiveness of this product for safely treating dental discoloration. Activated charcoal is also very abrasive, meaning it can wear down your enamel and weaken your teeth over time.

#2: Lemon Juice Detox

This detox is one of the methods used to help people lose weight. The beverage consists of lemon juice, cayenne pepper, water, and maple syrup. While it might assist in weight control, the liquid is also highly acidic. This means that it can begin to erode your tooth enamel if in contact for too long, increasing your risk of developing cavities and infection. Since this cleansing method also involves not eating any solids, you won’t produce enough saliva to neutralize the harmful acids.

#3: Kombucha

This popular fermented tea has been used for decades to help with detoxification, immune system stimulation, improved digestion, arthritis relief, and even preventing cancer. That said, kombucha is very acidic and often contains heavy amounts of sugar. The more you drink this, the higher the chance of experiencing cavities and other oral health concerns.

#4: Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known to provide various systemic benefits including stomachache relief, alleviating a sore throat, and lowering cholesterol. This remedy, however, can be harmful to your pearly whites, as the vinegar can lead to enamel erosion. If you are consuming this beverage, make sure to thoroughly rinse your mouth with water afterward.

#5: Sparkling Water

Most people know that overindulging in energy drinks, sodas, and sports drinks can wreak havoc on your smile. One of the alternatives to these is sparkling water, as it’s less likely to stain your teeth. That said, this drink is still acidic and can weaken your natural enamel over time. To avoid increasing the risk of decay or bacteria, just stick with pure water.

While popular trends are fun and fashionable, they don’t always have your smile’s best interest at heart. Speak with your dentist if you want to know which fads are safe, and they’ll be happy to help you preserve good oral health!

About the Author

Dr. Henry Lu studied at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He’s a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association and also regularly pursues continuing education to improve his skills and expertise. He provides a wide selection of advanced services, including dental checkups/cleanings, fluoride treatment, gum disease therapy, and fillings. If you’d like to request an appointment, visit his website or call 469-998-9822.