Boost the health of your mouth and body by banning these four products from your shopping cart!

Many of the behaviors and habits that fuel a healthy body also fuel a healthy mouth and a dazzlding smile. Your friends at Pleasant Dental^® in Dolton, Illinois, are happy to share some of the products and habits that are best avoided to support your healthiest smile. Everyone can benefit, regardless of their “starting point” or existing oral health and overall health.

No. 1: Alcohol-based mouthwash

All mouthwashes are good for the teeth and gums, right? Well, not exactly! Mouthwashes may be formulated with alcohol. Those are the ones you want to avoid. Why? There are several reasons. First, these products are generally very aggressive. They don’t just destroy the “bad” bacteria; the alcohol in the mouthwash also destroys the “good” microorganisms. This can have negative effects not only on the health of your mouth but also on the rest of your body. Such products can eliminate those bacteria that are responsible for healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Additionally, alcohol is incredibly drying, and dry mouth is a risk factor for many oral conditions, including tooth decay. Lastly, alcohol-based mouthwashes can be acidic, and acid is the enemy of tooth enamel.

No. 2: Cigarettes of any kind

The negative health effects of smoking are well-documented. However, while vaping is considered to be less harmful than smoking tobacco products, the fluid in e-cigarettes still contains many dangerous/toxic chemicals. These chemicals restrict blood flow to the gum tissue, contributing to the development of periodontal (gum) disease. Repeated trauma to oral tissues from vaping can also result in inflammation, cavities, bone loss, and oral cancers. In fact, a study published in iScience found that 43% of people who vaped had gum disease and oral infections. Only 28% of those non-smokers or non-vapers had such damage to their gums and mouth.

No. 3: Ultra-processed foods

Pleasant Dental^® provides guidance on nutrition and diet for very good reasons. Some items on your grocery list are not as “tooth-friendly” as others, and often, those products are the same ones that contribute to obesity and risk factors for other systemic diseases. For instance, it is best to avoid packaged foods, frozen meals, and other ultra-processed foods that have been changed considerably from their original composition. Often, added salt, sugars, fats, dyes, and preservatives have been introduced to extend their shelf life. These calorie-laden additives contribute to inflammation throughout the body, as well as an increased risk of developing oral conditions such as tooth decay. Since the vast majority of ultra-processed foods contain excessive sugars, it makes sense – sugar is not a friend to your teeth!

No. 4: Alcohol

Many things in excess are bad for us. Alcohol is no different. Since alcohol is a diuretic, it can immediately result in damaging dry mouth. Alcoholic drinks are also metabolized into sugars, which furthermore attract harmful bacteria responsible for cavities and oral disease. Heavy alcohol consumption also makes it harder to ward off infections. Last but not least, alcohol combined with another habit to avoid mentioned here (smoking), can have a dangerous multiplier effect; it’s estimated that those who drink and smoke heavily are 30 times more likely to develop cancers of the mouth and throat than those who do not smoke/drink.

Let’s talk! We can advise and support good habits and foods to fuel your healthiest smile and self. Call (708) 576-1900 to speak with a member of our team in Dolton, IL today.

Dean Dietrich, DMD

Dr. Dean Dietrich has been practicing dentistry since 1986, when he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Southern Illinois University's School of Dental Medicine. He had completed his undergraduate studies in business marketing and management at Michigan State University from 1978 to 1982.

He opened Pleasant Dental in 2003 to provide excellent dental care and value for his patients. He is especially skilled and experienced with root canals, implants, and handling dental anxiety.

Dr. Dietrich is a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Indian Dental Association. He is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan and has orthodontic certification from the Academy of GP Orthodontics. Multiple agencies have recognized him annually as one of America’s Top Dentists.

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