From keto to intermittent fasting, diet trends are everywhere – promising better energy, weight loss, and overall health. But what most people don’t realise is that your teeth and gums are just as impacted by these trends as your waistline.

Whether you’re sipping bulletproof coffee or skipping meals entirely, certain eating patterns can unintentionally harm your oral health if you’re not careful.

Keto Diet: High Fat, Low Carb; But What About Your Breath?
The ketogenic diet cuts carbs and sugar drastically – which is great for reducing the risk of cavities. But there’s a flip side.

When your body enters ketosis, it produces chemicals called ketones. One of them, acetone, is released through your breath, often resulting in what’s called keto breath. It has a distinct metallic or fruity smell that doesn’t go away with just brushing.

Also, many people on keto increase snacking on acidic or sticky foods like cheese, cured meats, or nuts – which can get stuck between teeth or wear down enamel over time if not cleaned properly.

Intermittent Fasting: Long Breaks Can Mean Less Saliva
Skipping breakfast or going long hours without eating may seem harmless, but your mouth may beg to differ.

When you fast, you produce less saliva, especially in the early part of the day. Saliva plays a critical role in protecting teeth by:

• Neutralizing acid
• Washing away bacteria and food particles
• Strengthening enamel with minerals

Without enough saliva, your risk for cavities, bad breath, and gum issues increases – especially if you’re also sipping coffee or tea during the fasting window without water.

Plant-Based and Vegan Diets: Healthy, But Not Always Tooth-Friendly
A plant-based diet can be great for heart health and the environment – but it does come with oral health considerations.

• Lower Calcium Intake: Without dairy, you may fall short on calcium and vitamin D, both essential for strong teeth and bones.
• Acidic Foods: Many plant-based diets include citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based dressings – all of which can erode enamel over time.
• Increased Phytates: Some plant compounds can reduce mineral absorption, making it harder for your body to get enough zinc, magnesium, or iron – all important for gum health. 

Juice Cleanses and Detoxes: A Sugar Surge in Disguise
Even though they’re often marketed as “healthy resets”, juice cleanses flood your mouth with natural sugars and acids.

• Fruit juices (even 100% natural ones) bathe your teeth in sugar, fuelling cavity-causing bacteria.
• Acids in juices weaken your enamel, especially when consumed frequently or slowly over time.
• Lack of solid food reduces saliva flow, making your mouth more vulnerable to damage. 

High-Protein, Low-Carb Diets: Beware of Bad Breath and Acidic Buildup
Protein-heavy diets can cause similar issues to keto, including:

• Persistent bad breath from high protein breakdown
• Acidic byproducts that irritate the gums and erode enamel
• Reduced intake of fibre-rich fruits and vegetables that naturally clean teeth and stimulate saliva 

Protecting Your Smile While Following a Trend
You don’t need to give up your diet – just make a few smart tweaks to support your oral health:

• Drink more water throughout the day to stay hydrated and maintain saliva levels.
• Avoid snacking on acidic foods repeatedly, rinse your mouth after or pair them with neutral foods like cucumbers or cheese.
• Brush gently at least twice a day and floss daily to remove residue from trend-based foods.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva when you’re fasting.
• Talk to your dentist about supplements if your diet is low in calcium, vitamin D, or other key nutrients. 

Noticing New Sensitivity or Breath Changes? We Can Help
If you’ve started a new diet and are noticing sensitivity, dryness, or bad breath, don’t ignore it. At Dr. Salim Kapadia Dental Centre, we understand how your nutrition affects your mouth and offer tailored care to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Book your appointment today.