Fad or fact?

The internet can be great but it isn’t always the best source of information. Why would you trust an influencer, who is probably getting paid, over your medically trained dentist?

Bloggers, influencers and ‘celebrities’ cannot replace trained professionals, like your dentist.

In recent years, there have been a number health ‘trends’ which could damage your oral health.

Here, we’re making sure you have a dentist’s view of these so that you have the facts:

Lemon water – is it true that this ‘detoxifies’ the body?

No. There is nothing you can swallow which will detoxify. Your liver and kidneys are your detoxifiers. Why not let them do their job!

What citrus juices can do is to erode tooth enamel. This cannot be reversed. Once it is eroded, there is no going back. When your tooth enamel wears away, your teeth become sensitive, discoloured and more vulnerable to decay.

Coconut Oil Pulling – is this an oral detoxifier?

No. This is not harmful to your oral health. However, it is also not beneficial. What is harmful is allowing gum disease to continue, because coconut oil pulling will not cure or prevent gum disease. Gum disease must be diagnosed and then treated by a dental professional. This will include an oral hygiene regime for you to follow.

Snacking or Grazing – does this harm your teeth?

It can do.

Your teeth needs time without food on them. If you are following a grazing diet it is best to avoid foods that damage enamel.

Charcoal Toothpaste – will this whiten my teeth?

Not to any significant extent, no.

Charcoal toothpaste, in common with other ‘whitening’ toothpastes, may lift light surface staining, but there is a risk that the charcoal particles may become embedded in tiny cracks in the teeth. In any case, such toothpastes can damage the enamel because they are abrasive.

Fluoride – should I avoid it?

Fluoride re-strengthens tooth enamel, preventing demineralisation which is caused by acidic and sugary foods and drinks. So don’t avoid fluoride as it is essential for forming stronger enamel.

Facts first

So it makes sense to check anything you see, hear or read with the relevant expert, in this case your dentist. It may be tempting to join in a fad, but it is well worth finding out the facts first.

Make an appointment today with one of our dentists or hygienists and get the real facts.

Appointments are available on our on line booking site. Or by phoning our reception staff during business hours.

Fad or fact?