If you're trying to start your new year right and you've set a resolution to lose weight, you might be interested in trying a juice cleanse. This diet fad is quite popular right now, and many people say that it not only helps them to shed pounds, but leaves them feeling great, too. However, it's important to take steps to protect your teeth while you're working on your body. If you're thinking of starting a juice cleanse or are already in one, read these tips to keep your teeth safe.
Acids
The important thing to remember about juice is that the vast majority of fruit juices contain acids that can harm your teeth. While these acids may seem inconsequential, they can begin to break down the enamel on your teeth over time. This effect is intensified if you're performing a juice cleanse, as you're primarily only consuming juice for days or even weeks.
You can reduce the amount of acids your teeth are exposed to by choosing juices that are primarily made from vegetables.
Sugar
Juices come in all kinds of varieties, but most juicing cleanses use juice that doesn't have any added sugars. While this is great for your waistline, the natural sugars that exist in fruit and some vegetables can still harm your teeth. Choosing juices that have fewer sugars or those that use sugar substitutes will help to protect your teeth.
Tooth Care
There are a few simple steps you can take to protect your teeth from the remaining acids and sugars in the juices you're consuming. Try these steps:
Use a Straw - Using a straw can help the juice to get past your teeth, exposing fewer teeth to the sugars and acids in your drink.
Rinse After Drinking - Always rinse your teeth with water after you drink juice; it loosens the acids and sugars, reducing the risk of enamel damage and cavities. If you're out and about, bring a small bottle of water with you and swish it around as you drink it.
Chew Gum - If your cleanse allows it, try chewing a sugar-free gum after you drink your juice. Gum produces more saliva, which will help to loosen any remaining sugars and acids from your teeth. In addition, the artificial sweetener xylitol has been shown to actually help to prevent cavities.
Wait Before Brushing - If you don't perform steps 2 and 3, make sure to at least wait a while before brushing your teeth after sipping juice. While it's important to get the sugar out of your mouth as soon as possible, the acids in juice temporarily soften the enamel on your teeth. This means that your enamel can be damaged by brushing your teeth during this period. The Mayo Clinic suggests waiting 30 minutes after consuming acidic food or drink before brushing.
Juicing is a popular way to quickly shed pounds, but don't let your teeth suffer as a result. Your quest to get healthy or lose weight won't damage your teeth and oral health if you follow these tips. Talk to a dentist, such as at Barnstable Dental Associates, for more tips.
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