Health trends (or fads, some may say) have been coming and going for centuries. Most of the fad diets or health trends that gain popularity are just that—fads that grow popular quickly but soon fade away, only to be replaced by the next hot idea on the market.
Some of the most popular health trends of recent years have been:
- Raw food diet
- Keto diet
- Paleo diet
- Low carb craze
- Master cleanse
- Detoxifying drinks and diets
- Apple cider vinegar diet
The Drive to Be “Better” May Cost You
While some people are willing to try about anything to get healthier, leaner, stronger, younger-looking, more energetic, and happier, you want to research before you hop on the bandwagon and adopt the latest health craze.
Some of the most recent health fads can harm your health—namely, your dental health. Let’s take a look at some of the latest health trends that may damage your oral health:
- Apple cider vinegar shots
- Brushing with activated charcoal
- Brushing with lemon juice and baking soda
- Bejeweling teeth with precious stones or grills
- At-home tooth whitening kits bought over-the-counter
- Fluoride-free toothpaste
- Gargling with hydrogen peroxide
Before looking at each of these, please know that the best person to answer any questions related to your oral health is your Columbus Circle general dentist. That person can tell you what you should brush with; what mouthwash, if any, you should use; what can and cannot be placed on your teeth; and how best to whiten your teeth. Your NYC cosmetic dentist will surely advise you to get professional teeth whitening in a dentist’s office for the best results that last.
- Some folks drink shots of apple cider vinegar in the morning to lose weight and manage blood sugar. Apple cider vinegar can damage the enamel on your teeth, so please speak to your dentist before taking that first sip of apple cider vinegar. If your dentist approves of the vinegar shot, they can tell you the proper way to ingest it so you minimize the damage to your enamel.
- According to the American Dental Association (ADA), activated charcoal comes from burning carbon-rich materials (like wood) and is abrasive and gritty. It’s also toxic and not effective in cleaning teeth. Brushing with activated charcoal can wear away tooth enamel making your teeth appear yellow. To have whiter teeth, people use activated charcoal toothpaste, which has the opposite effect on their teeth.
- Brushing your teeth with lemon juice and baking soda can also damage your teeth. Baking soda is abrasive alone, but when combined with lemon juice, it does even more damage to your teeth.
- When you put jewels or grills on your teeth, you use dental adhesive, usually. Sometimes drills and other tools are used. When you’re ready to remove the jewels or grills, your enamel will come off along with the decorations. The drilling or scraping done to allow the jewels to be implanted permanently damages your natural teeth.
- If you want whiter, brighter teeth, please ask your Columbus Circle cosmetic dentist how this is done in their office. Trying at-home teeth whitening kits can lead to overly white teeth, a bad reaction to ingredients, or permanent damage to the enamel of the teeth.
- Hydrogen peroxide is dangerous when not used properly and ingested without dilution. Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant that can cause gum irritation and upset stomach when swallowed.
- Please consult your NYC general dentist about what type of toothpaste is best for you and your family. For most people, fluoride is harmless and helps reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Learn More About Health Trends that Affect Oral Health in NYC
If you’re concerned about your oral health and want to see a Columbus Circle dentist, please call Appolon Dental Group (212) 557-8668. You may also fill out our online contact form, and one of our amazing dental team members will reach out to answer questions or schedule an appointment.
