At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges understands that oral and physical wellness are inseparably linked. Though he treats dental conditions, he wants you to enjoy overall health, including a healthy diet. Of course, he is not a weight loss expert, so you should consult with your physician before beginning any particular diet. 

To learn more about the connection between diet and oral health or to schedule a dental appointment, contact our office today.

What is the keto diet?

Most adherents of the keto diet practice a modified version of the original, which was developed in the 1920s. By dramatically reducing carbs, a dieter deprives her body of glucose, the main source of energy. To access the necessary energy, the body then begins to break down fat stores, a state known as ketosis. 

To achieve ketosis, your diet should consist of about 70-80% fat, 10-20% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates.

The Keto Diet and Tooth Decay

Carbohydrates are not only the body’s main source of energy, carbs are the primary food source for oral bacteria, as well. When you eat carbs, especially refined carbs like sugar, oral bacteria multiply to form sticky plaque and, eventually, hard tartar. These substances can eat through your tooth enamel, creating a cavity.

When you cut carbs in the keto diet, you also reduce your risk of tooth decay and an emergency trip to your Chisholm Trail dental office.

Ketosis and Your Breath 

Although the keto diet can have positive long-term benefits for your teeth, it can have negative consequences for your breath. Once your body starts using ketones for energy, you could develop very distinctive “ketosis breath.” Many describe the smell of ketosis breath as being similar to the odor of nail polish remover. It can also cause a metallic taste in your mouth. 

Keto breath occurs because one of the ketones that your body breaks down for energy is acetone, a common ingredient in many nail polish removers. When your body breaks down proteins, it can also release ammonia, which lends a distinctive odor to breath.

Keto breath is not permanent and will usually fade as your body adjusts to the diet.

Not ready to go low carb?

No doubt about it, the keto diet is a commitment. But don’t worry – if you’re not ready to slash your carbs, there are other diets that can protect your smile. In fact, if you are looking for the healthiest all-around diet, keto may not be the way to go. Health experts warn that it has numerous health drawbacks, especially since it involves high consumption of saturated fats.

In part because of this risk, the keto diet was recently named one of the worst diets for 2023. Instead, health experts recommend the Mediterranean diet, which earned the top spot. Indeed, this diet is full of healthy nutrients, which can benefit every aspect of your health – including your smile. 

Contact Your Chisholm Trail Dental Office for More Oral Health Tips and Information

Dr. Bridges prioritizes patient education and is ready to answer your questions. Contact our Chisholm Trail dental office to speak to a member of our team or to book an appointment. 

You can reach us online or call us at (580) 255-4880.

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers a full range of dental services. With his recognition by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, he is especially qualified to treat sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and snoring. 

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center to learn more about our services or to book an appointment.

Sleep Apnea

It seems surprising that a dentist can treat sleep apnea. Don’t you need to go to a sleep specialist for care? Actually, a dentist can often provide convenient and effective treatment for sleep disorders. 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which affects between 10 and 30% of adults, occurs when airflow through the throat is blocked. Breathing stops and patients wake up, often unconsciously. Dentists like Dr. Bridges can treat OSA by providing a comfortable, discreet oral appliance. The mouthguard will reposition the jaw to tighten soft tissues and keep the throat open.

Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches are often the result of dental misalignment, bruxism, and/or TMJ Disorder. When your bite is uneven or you frequently grind your teeth, this can damage your jaw joints and cause inflammation in the nearby muscles. 

Once Dr. Bridges determines that your headaches are indeed dental-related, he can design a mouthguard, which will stop chronic teeth grinding. Relaxation techniques can also help, since bruxism is often connected to stress.

Heart Disease 

Ok, so you couldn’t visit dentists for your bypass surgery. But going to the dentist could prevent you from needing such procedures in the first place! There is a strong link between gum disease and heart disease. In fact, research shows that patients with gum disease are two to three times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke. 

Visiting the dentist is one of the best ways to prevent periodontitis, which develops when oral bacteria build up in the gums. Routine cleanings can eliminate these microbes. And if you do develop gum disease, a deep cleaning can prevent serious complications like tooth loss.

Pregnancy

Many pregnant women assume that they shouldn’t visit the dentist, but nothing could be farther from the truth! In fact, pregnant women may need more dental care. Expecting mothers are more likely to develop gum disease than other women. Research shows that 60-75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, the earliest, reversible stage of gum disease. If gum disease progresses, it can have serious consequences on unborn babies and may contribute to low birth weight and preterm labor.

Oral Cancer

This last health condition may not be as much of a surprise as the others. But it is included because oral cancer screenings are one of the most important services performed by dentists. 

Taking place at every dental exam, screenings look for mouth sores and other symptoms. Patients who are diagnosed early have a much better prognosis, which is one reason that it is so important to visit your dentist twice a year.

Looking for outstanding dentists? Contact Us!

Dr. Bridges is committed to your systemic health and takes ongoing training to provide the best possible care. Contact our Duncan, OK, office to schedule your consultation. 

Complete our online form or call us at 580-255-4880.

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