Viral trends and videos are seemingly everywhere nowadays, thanks to the cameras that live in our pockets. Unfortunately, some trends get out of hand and it can be difficult to know which are good (most aren’t). If you are looking to protect your body, and more specifically your teeth, for the long haul, avoid the following 3 fads to keep your pearly whites pristine.
Hard Seltzer
Alcohol fads go in cycles, so it makes sense that something new would rotate in as the craft beer fad wanes. However, the rise of hard seltzers is a bad turn for your teeth. Beer is good for your teeth: mildly acidic, it contains nutrients that strengthen teeth. Hoppy beers even have antibiotic properties. Even wine, while acidic, contributes healthy antioxidants to your diet and might foster healthy gums.
Hard seltzer, on the other hand, has little to contribute to your oral health. Natural seltzers are mildly acidic, but when you add flavors, the acidity increases into the danger zone for your teeth. Hard seltzers may be a refreshing alternative on a hot summer day, but don’t make them your go-to drink.
Charcoal Toothpaste
Kendall Jenner has recently been seen promoting a brand of charcoal toothpaste, which should be cause for concern alone. Charcoal toothpaste has activated charcoal as one of the main ingredients, the same one that can be found in water filters. If used in addition to toothpaste, there shouldn’t be much harm done to your teeth. Many worry about the abrasiveness of the charcoal on your teeth if used daily.
Most of the toothpastes with charcoal in them are made without fluoride, which we recommend for a healthy smile and longevity of your teeth. If you are looking to whiten your teeth or if you aren’t sure what toothpaste works best for your teeth, talk to a professional like Dr. Bob of the Advanced Dentistry of Butler and get a consultation on how to put your best smile forward.
Brunches
While this isn’t a fad per se, as brunches have seemingly been around for a very long time, they have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity and varieties. So why would they possibly harm your teeth? Citrus. At a bottomless mimosa brunch, you can have several drinks with orange juice, lemonade, even grapefruit juice in them, which, after a while, can wear down your enamel. Enamel protects your teeth from decay, cavities and other dental problems. The problem with brunch doesn’t stem from an occasional mimosa or orange juice. It stems from constant onslaught of citrus on your teeth. If you constantly are drinking heavily citrus drinks, you can be damaging your teeth every week.
Butler Dentist
Whether these trends are just a flash in the night, or are sticking around for the long haul, talk to your team and Dr. Bob at the Advanced Dentistry of Butler today for more information. Contact us today by either filling out our convenient online form, or calling (724) 282-4436. We look forward to hearing from you.
