Low Carb & Keto is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. Low carb and keto diets can be great for oral health, but there are also some potential risks to be aware of.
Keto Benefits
It’s no secret that the ketogenic diet has become extremely popular in recent years. And while plenty of studies show the benefits of this low-carb, high-fat diet, there’s one group of people who are often concerned about the keto diet’s impact on their teeth: dentists. Surprisingly, the keto diet may be suitable for your teeth. Here’s why.
Why can Keto be Beneficial?
One of the main reasons why the keto diet is good for your teeth is because it drastically reduces your sugar intake. And as it is well known; sugar is one of the main culprits when it comes to cavities. Studies have shown that a high sugar diet can increase your risk of tooth decay by up to five times. So, by cutting out sugar, you’re automatically reducing your risk of cavities.
Additionally, gum disease is often caused by inflammation, and certain types of food can contribute to inflammation. Again, diets high in sugar are a common culprit, but various types of fat (including the saturated fats found in red meat and dairy products) can also promote inflammation. Therefore, a low-carbohydrate diet that is also low in saturated fat may help to protect against gum disease.
Finally, it is worth noting that some research has suggested that a ketogenic diet may help to reverse periodontitis (gum disease). However, more research is needed in this area before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Drawbacks
However, there are also some potential risks to be aware of. One of the most common is dry mouth. When you reduce your carbohydrate intake, your body produces less saliva. Saliva is important for keeping your mouth healthy and preventing cavities. So, if you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, it’s important to stay well-hydrated and brush and floss regularly.
When the body digests protein, ammonia is created as a biproduct—this can attribute to bad breath while on keto. A good suggestion is chewing on fresh mint or eating foods that help produce saliva production like celery and lemon. Helping to increase saliva production can help flush out the bacteria that create a smell in your mouth.
Additionally, if you don’t get enough fat on a keto diet, you may not be getting enough of the nutrients that are essential for dental health. Fat is vital for absorbing vitamins A, D, and E, which are necessary for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. So, if you’re not getting enough fat on a keto diet, you may consider supplementing with a multivitamin or taking a vitamin D supplement.
In conclusion
Low-carb and keto diets can benefit your dental health in some ways. However, there are also some potential risks to be aware of. If you’re considering these diets, be sure to talk to your dentist first to make sure they’re right for you. And remember to brush and floss regularly, stay hydrated, and see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
