London dentists highlights the dangers of trendy health fads
The beginning of the year is a time traditionally associated with making resolutions, many of which are designed to improve health and wellbeing. While attempting to eat clean and be more active can be incredibly beneficial, there are certain trends that are causing health professionals anxiety. London dentist, Dr Christopher Orr is urging people to be cautious when making changes to their lifestyle and reading about health fads.
One of the most problematic trends for dentists is the rise in popularity of drinking hot or cold water flavoured with lemons and other citrus fruits. Drinking hot water with lemon has been championed as a detox method by many celebrities and social media influencers, but Dr Orr has warned against the trend. Lemons have a low pH value, and by sipping on flavoured water throughout the day, people are exposing their teeth to acids. The enamel is durable and hard, but acids weaken it, increasing the risk of sensitivity and decay. Once the enamel is worn, there is no way of hardening and restoring it.
Dr Orr claims that drinking lemon water is now the most common cause of acid erosion. In recent years, the London dentist said there has been a significant increase in the number of patients, particularly women aged between 50 and 60 years old, experiencing enamel erosion due to dietary trends.
As a tooth-friendly alternative, Dr Orr recommends opting for still water, green tea or milk. Tea and coffee, which have been replaced by many thinking that a cup of lemon and hot water is a healthier option, are actually much better for your teeth.
Dr Orr also advised against other popular New Year health trends, such as snacking on fruit, increasing fruit juice consumption and drinking cider vinegar. Fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals, but it often contains natural sugars and it may be acidic, so it’s best to consume fruit before or after a main meal.
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