Detox Can Ruin Your Smile

01-01-2008 13:24

January is everyone's favourite time to detox. After the Christmas excess we want to shed those pounds and get gorgeous ready to see in the Spring.

However, evidence shows that trying to look your best by dieting could actually make you look worse by ruining your smile.

That's bad news for all of us hoping to have a Hollywood beach body and the dazzling set of teeth to match it.

Dieting affects the body’s mineral deposits and produces over acidity that can weaken teeth, as well as bones. People also often assume ‘healthy’ food and drinks but are be surprised when they learn just how much sugar is in them.

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Expert nutritional therapist Suzy Grant and Dr. Henry Clover, chief dental advisor for Denplan, have created a new approach towards healthy eating that is specifically designed to protect your teeth as well as keep you trim.

The plan includes a run down of the top 10 foods to treat your teeth with, and the top 10 basties to stay well clear of.

Check out what you should and shouldn't be doing to kep those pearly whites bright below.

Top ten teeth treats:

  • Water: Essential for transporting calcium and other essential minerals in and out of the cell membranes for optimum dental health.
  • Cherries, blackcurrants and blueberries: High in bioflavonoids to protect the gums.
  • Low fat milk and cheese: Calcium-rich for teeth and bones. If you are lactose-intolerant find alternatives made from ewe, goat or buffalo milk.
  • Tea: The flavonoids in tea are thought to prevent plaque from sticking to the teeth and protect the gums while tannins can inhibit bacteria growth.
  • Apples: High in vitamin C and boron for strong teeth as well as fibre to help keep teeth and gums clean.
  • Fish: A mineral-rich and healthy protein for healthy teeth and gums.
  • Nuts: Especially calcium-rich almonds are high in protein and contain other essential minerals.
  • Seeds: Pumpkin, sunflower, poppy and sesame seeds are all high in calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals. Look out for breads or crackers containing these seeds.
  • Pulses: Such as chickpeas (the main ingredient of humus) are high in protein and fibre as well as all the minerals essential for teeth health, such as zinc, magnesium and calcium.
  • Sunshine: Your body cannot absorb calcium without Vitamin D and the best source is sunshine. Get 15 minutes of sun a day to strengthen your bones and teeth.

Top ten teeth rotters:

  • Sugar: Sweets, pastries, cakes, biscuits, chocolate. Only sugar can penetrate the teeth’s strong enamel coating. An excess of refined sugar also dissolves the minerals essential for healthy teeth.
  • Artificial sweeteners: Look out for ‘hidden’ sugars in contents list such as sucrose, dextrose and maltose, which are often found in artificial sweeteners.
  • Sticky sweet treats: Toffee, sweet sauces and other oh so naughty sticky stuff all cling to teeth, so making sure you brush after eating them is even more important.
  • Fruit juice (especially orange, grapefruit and any citrus fruit): The sugars in fruit are not released until it is chewed, but in fruit juice the sugars are more likely to be in contact with the teeth for longer, so avoid using fruit juice in a baby’s feeding bottle and preferably drink it with a straw.
  • Fizzy drinks: Sports drinks and colas are loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners and diet fizz can be high in phosphorous, which although essential for strong teeth, can literally drag calcium out of the teeth if drunk in excess. Use a straw if you must drink them.
  • White bread: Often contain hidden sugar as well as becoming very sticky when chewed.
  • Processed cereals: read the labels carefully - you’ll be amazed at how much sugar is hidden in these so-called healthy carbohydrates.
  • Crisps and chips: Cooked starch breaks down into component sugars. Opt for carbs low on the glycaemic index such as sweet potato.
  • White wine: White wine can be very acidic and contribute to erosion. Drinking little and often is far worse than drinking once a day at meal times.
  • Red wine, tea and coffee as well as strongly coloured Indian food can increase the risk of staining your teeth, particularly if you’re not brushing them as much as you should be. Plaque left behind on teeth is susceptible to staining so brushing after a curry and a glass of red wine is even more important!

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