A dentist has warned that thousands of Brits could unintentionally destroy their teeth by following trendy wellness fads.
Apple cider vinegar shots and dairy-free milk are among a series of products promising lifestyle or health benefits, with the UK health and wellness industry worth around £20 billion.
But Dr. Deepak Aulak warns that some popular trends, often promoted on social media, could be harmful to teeth and gums.
The founder of AI-powered dental app Toothfairy and This Morning Regular said: “A healthy diet is not only important for the body and brain, but also for your oral health.
“You might be hoping to lose a few pounds or improve your skin, you might of course just prefer the taste, but you’re unlikely to feel good about yourself if your smile suffers.
Dr. Deepak Aulak warns that some popular trends, often promoted on social media, could harm teeth and gums.
“Foods and drinks high in acid or sugar can wreak havoc in the mouth, and the best advice, as always, is to maintain good oral hygiene.
“If you are ever unsure about the risks that certain foods and drinks pose to your teeth, do not hesitate to ask your dentist for advice.”
Here are the nine health trends that Dr. Deepak says could be harmful to your teeth.
Coconut oil pulling
Originating in ancient India around 3,000 years ago, swishing a tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil around the mouth for 20 minutes claims to both clean and whiten teeth.
The concept of the Ayurvedic hobby is to eliminate bacteria in the mouth, and some claim it can help prevent gingivitis, bad breath, and oral thrush.
Dr Deepak warns: “Despite the claims, this process will not whiten your teeth, although it may remove some stains, but you are just as likely to achieve this by running water in your mouth.
“If you really have 20 minutes to spare, I suggest you spend a few extra minutes brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Or better yet, do this instead.
Herbal teas
Green tea and other varieties of hot herbal drinks are often promoted for their many health-promoting qualities.
Green tea and other varieties of hot herbal drinks are often promoted for their many health-promoting qualities.
Claims range from preventing cancer to improving brain function and improving metabolism due to the presence of antioxidants that prevent cell damage.
On drinking herbal teas, the dental expert said: “While I certainly have a weakness for a cup of green tea, I will always rinse well with cool water afterwards.
“Different types of tea contain tannins which, in the long term, will stain your teeth and gums.”
Fruit smoothies and teas
While there are questions about the health benefits to your body of extracting fiber from the fruit in a blender, there are also risks to your teeth and gums.
Fruits are one of the recommended “five fruits a day” because they are packed with vitamins, nutrients and fiber.
However, it’s not very good for your teeth when mixed into a drink.
Smoothies and juices are being touted as healthy alternatives across the country, and there are dozens of kitchen tools available to make them at home.
While there are questions about the health benefits to your body of extracting fiber from the fruit in a blender, there are also risks to your teeth and gums.
Dr. Deepak advised, “When you eat an apple, you get a single fruit full of natural sugar, but as you know, no smoothie or juice contains a single apple.
“So when you drink fruit juice, you’re consuming three or four apples’ worth of sugar and acid, which damages your tooth enamel.
“The best way to enjoy a fruit juice or smoothie would be to combine it with a meal, so your saliva helps neutralize the acids and break down the sugars.
“If you’re on the go, consider drinking the juice through a straw, so it goes around your teeth.”
Kombucha
The bacteria in the drink creates acidity that can damage tooth enamel and encourage the growth of bad bacteria already in your mouth.
Kombucha is a drink rich in probiotics, good for gut health, and prepared from the fermentation of sweet tea with bacteria and yeast.
However, bacteria in the drink creates acidity that can damage tooth enamel and encourage the growth of bad bacteria already in your mouth.
Dr Deepak added: “As well as staining your teeth, Kombucha can turn your mouth into a breeding ground for bad bacteria.
“To avoid damaging your teeth and gums, I recommend drinking through a straw – and definitely consider asking your dentist for advice on this.”
Plant milk and alternatives
Whether for ethical, health or taste reasons, consuming milk alternatives may cause you to reduce your calcium intake, which could lead to problems for your teeth.
Dairy-free milk alternatives have exploded over the past two decades, from soy to oats to nuts.
Whether for ethical, health or taste reasons, consuming milk alternatives may cause you to reduce your calcium intake, which could lead to problems for your teeth.
The dentist said: “Dairy milk is one of the best sources of calcium you can get and while plant-based alternatives won’t harm your teeth, you’re depriving yourself of an easy source of calcium.
Lemon water
Lemon water can be a good way to aid digestion and absorb additional vitamins and minerals, but it contains acid that destroys enamel.
Lemon water can be a good way to aid digestion and absorb additional vitamins and minerals, but it contains acid that destroys enamel.
Dr Deepak said: “Lemon water is a great way to start the day. I find it can really lift my spirits in the morning, but the acid eats away the protective coating on your teeth.
“A simple tip is to rinse your mouth with cool water after you’re done, then if you can, brush your teeth for good measure.”
“Well-being” shots
Another recent explosion on the market are little fruit or vegetable shots that promise a quick health boost – but they’re not without risks for the teeth.
Dr Deepak said: “Similar to juices, these concentrated fruit or vegetable shots may offer some health benefits, but they also pose a risk to your teeth.
“The sheer size of the shots suggests they are intended for people ‘on the go,’ and that could mean you have all that acid and sugar in your mouth throughout the day.
“Fruit shots contain sugars and acid, while other varieties like turmeric and ginger can stain your teeth.
“My advice would be to drink water right after, or as soon as you arrive at the office.”
Dried fruits
Dried fruits are a healthy alternative to sweets and chips when it comes to snacking, but their high sugar content can damage teeth.
Dried fruits are a healthy alternative to sweets and chips when it comes to snacking, but their high sugar content can damage teeth.
Dr Deepak said: “The problem with dried fruits is that they are both high in sugar and very sticky, which is an unpleasant combination for your teeth.
“The gooey treats will stick around your teeth, which means all that sugar will eat away at the enamel.”
“Some cereals contain dried fruit, so if you eat breakfast at home, it’s worth grabbing another brush before you leave for work.
“If you eat breakfast at work or snack on dried fruit throughout the day, consider bringing a toothbrush and toothpaste to work, as no amount of drinking will completely rid your mouth of these leftovers tights.”
Apple Cider Vinegar Shots
Wellness writers and influencers have long touted the health benefits of a dose of apple cider vinegar.
Wellness writers and influencers have long touted the health benefits of a dose of apple cider vinegar.
Supposed benefits range from weight loss to maintaining blood sugar levels, and it is also suggested as a way to remove tooth stains.
But while many health benefits are highlighted, the most negative effects on oral health are sometimes ignored, namely that vinegar is very rich in acid, which damages enamel.
Dr Deepak said: “Apple cider vinegar is very acidic and, far from removing tooth stains, it can actually fuel discoloration, as well as promote cavities and tooth sensitivity.
“Rinse your mouth with cool water after taking a photo would be my advice.”