Crash Dieting and Your Oral Health
In a May 14th article that appeared in Reuters Health News, crash dieting
can affect more than your figure.
With the focus of the media on diets, exercise equipment and personal
care products, people are more concerned with their appearance and physical
health than ever. People have been known to start that Monday morning
crash diet without ever realizing that this may in fact be the incorrect
way to diet. These crash dieters who excessively fast, or diet on an
on and off pattern, tend to have a lack of, or decrease in certain vitamins,
most notably Vitamins D, B-12 and calcium. They also tend to lack certain
minerals and proteins in their diets.
These are very important vitamins especially for the health of the teeth
and gums. What can occur is that dieters tend to have a diet high in
fruits which may contain a high content of natural sugars. These sugars
tend to decay and erode the enamel of the teeth. Dieters also tend to
take diet pills that may cause a decrease in saliva flow as a side effect. This decrease in saliva flow tends to increase the acid levels in the
mouth which may cause an increased level of cavity formation. What may
be recommended is that dieters consult with their health care provider
or nutritionist to determine what type of diet they should be on. Vitamin
levels and a balanced diet with all food groups should be evaluated. As always, sound oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can help
to decrease the levels of oral health problems.
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