• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Parkview Dental

(320) 587-2726 Make an Appointment Pay Online

  • COVID-19 Protocols
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Our Dentists
    • Our Dental Hygienists
    • Our Dental Assistants
    • Our Administrative Assistants
  • Our Services
    • Preventive Dentistry
    • Restorative Dental Services
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Sleep Wellness
    • Dental Imaging
    • Relaxation
  • Our Products
  • Patient Info
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient Referral Form
    • Financial Information
    • Patient Login
    • Kid’s Corner
  • News & Events
  • Contact Us

Are You On a Diet and Getting More Cavities? Here’s Why

POSTED BY Parkview Dental ON May 19, 2016

Email_cf5488277f044116b51fd3b62e05f390

Too much of “this,” not enough of “that.” Sounds like the diagnosis of a less than stellar nutritional plan, doesn’t it? It’s also the diagnosis you might get from your dentist and doctor if your diet begins to wreak havoc with your teeth. If you follow a restrictive diet of any sort – for example, if you consider yourself vegan, or are a strict follower of Atkins or Paleo, you’re going to be lacking certain nutrients your teeth need to remain healthy. We’ll take a look at why this happens …

There are two main reasons why strict adherents to restrictive diets end up with oral health concerns. First is the lack of re-mineralization that occurs with diets that avoid dairy and/or meat, and the other is an increased intake of acid when diets revolve mainly, or exclusively upon vegetables (and particularly, as in the case of fruitarians), fruit.

  • Remineralization: When we think of strong bones and teeth, we often think of calcium. But there’s another mineral most of us never even think about, that serves an equally important role: phosphates. Phosphates exists (among other places) in our saliva – and, it’s one of the most prevalent minerals in the human body! After eating, phosphate ions and calcium ions work to naturally repair teeth through a process known as remineralization – a process whereby minerals lost to acidity are replaced – effectively “repairing” a tooth.Trouble arises, however, when we abstain from foods that naturally aid in this remineralization process. Nuts, green leafy vegetables (without too much focus on spinach, which isn’t good for your teeth), and sea vegetables can help, but meat, fish and dairy are the biggest dietary contributors to remineralization. If you’re a vegan, or a paleo dieter, you can see how this can interfere with a process necessary to maintaining a healthy mouth.
  • Increased Acid: In the dieting world, white carbohydrates (like potatoes) and grains are the target of much scorn. In place of these demonized foodstuffs, fruit usually fills the void. It’s natural, fits the bill for paleo fans and all sorts of veggie lovers. The problem is, with this increased consumption of fruit comes a greater exposure to fruit acid. And our teeth hate acid.And when you combine too much fruit with not enough remineralizing foods, your teeth are likely to run into trouble; vegans being particularly at risk.

There are a multitude of opinions as to what is the “best” diet, and the best answer to that question is one only you can make. However, when it comes to your teeth, reducing your exposure to highly acidic foods and beverages, and regular consumption of remineralizing foods will always be a good choice.

2015 Patient Connect 365 | Revenue Well Systems, LLC

TwitterFacebookLinkedInEmailPrintFriendly

Primary Sidebar

Kid's Corner

Kid’s Corner

Check It Out

What Our Patients Say

This was our first visit to this clinic and we were blown away with the service received!  Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and made us feel right at home!  Even my kids said they liked the fluoride treatment!  So glad we made the switch to Parkview Dental!
Audrey

Our greatest compliment is the referral of your friends!

Earn credit for you and the new patient that you refer to us

Get your referral card

Footer

Parkview Dental: Modern Dentistry - Caring Tradition

Our Hours

Monday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 1:00pm

Come Visit Us

10 Hassan St NE
P.O. Box 49
Hutchinson, MN 55350

Phone: (320) 587-2726
Email: [email protected]

Copyright © 2023 · Parkview Dental · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy · Developed by Vivid Image · Log in