{"id":133,"date":"2021-07-09T19:55:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-09T19:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshdentalpa.com\/blog\/?p=133"},"modified":"2021-09-22T15:50:45","modified_gmt":"2021-09-22T15:50:45","slug":"https-www-marshdentalpa-com-blog-the-keto-diet-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marshdentalpa.com\/blog\/2021\/07\/09\/https-www-marshdentalpa-com-blog-the-keto-diet-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does the Keto Diet Affect Oral Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The ketogenic diet has become incredibly popular in recent years and emphasizes low-carb foods like fish, meat, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive oil, eggs, and non-starchy vegetables like avocados. And while many people have used it to improve their overall health by managing blood sugar levels and losing weight, you may be surprised to learn how it can influence your oral health. Keep reading as a dentist explains how this style of eating can lower your risk of cavities and gum disease. You\u2019ll also get tips for managing the dreaded keto breath as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Link Between the Keto Diet and Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The ketogenic diet drastically reduces your risk of cavities because it cuts out sugary foods and beverages like soda,\u00a0candies, cookies, dried fruit and juice\u00a0as well as processed or refined carbohydrates like grains.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To understand how this works, it\u2019s helpful to know the basics of how cavities develop. Everyone has a type of bacteria in their mouth called Streptococcus mutans<\/em> which is responsible for tooth decay. This bacteria consumes leftover food debris in the mouth, particularly sugar or carbohydrates, and produces acid as a byproduct. Over time, this acid softens the hard outer layer of teeth called enamel. And while enamel is incredibly hard and tough, repeated acid exposure eventually results in tooth decay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies have also shown that ketogenic diets high in Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation throughout the entire body, including the gums. This decreases the risk of gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips To Minimize Keto Breath<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clearly, the keto diet has significant benefits for your oral health, but there is one potential downside: keto breath. Fortunately, it\u2019s usually temporary and only occurs in the beginning stages of the diet as your body adjusts to being in a ketogenic state. Regardless, there are several easy things you can do to manage it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n