January 5th is National Keto Day in Moorestown and Medford, NJ, and it’s the perfect time to discuss how the popular diet can affect your oral health. Many people have successfully lost stubborn weight after adopting ketogenic dietary practices, which include restricting carbohydrate intake and increasing dietary fat intake while consuming a moderate amount of protein.
If you’re thinking about jumping on the keto bandwagon or if you’ve already started the diet, it’s important to understand the possible side effects you could experience. One of the most common side effects is the dreaded “keto breath,” which can be a cause for alarm if you aren’t expecting it.
The Bad Breath Phenomenon
“Keto breath” isn’t as offensive as bad breath caused by gum disease or other health conditions. In fact, it is often described as a slightly sweet-smelling odor that may be likened to fruit or even ammonia. It may seem strange for a diet that’s touted as “healthy” to cause bad breath, but in the case of the ketogenic diet, it’s just the result of your body breaking down fats differently. When your body goes into ketosis and begins burning primarily fat instead of carbohydrates, the fat cells are converted into different types of ketones. One of the ketone types (called acetone) can’t be used by the body for energy, so it’s eliminated through the lungs and urine. It’s the release of this ketone that causes the unique “ketosis” scent on your breath.
Other Oral Health Considerations
You can reduce your “keto breath” symptoms by brushing and flossing regularly and rinsing your mouth with water periodically. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help keep your bad breath at bay. Despite this unpleasant side effect, the ketogenic diet may actually improve your overall oral health. Since it requires you to eliminate most carbs and all processed sugars, the diet may reduce your cavities and lower oral inflammation.
Schedule Your Checkup
You should always maintain regular dental cleanings and checkups no matter what diet you’re on. To schedule your checkup with Drs. Mario Canalcontact Canal Periodontics located in Medford, NJ and Moorestown, NJ today.
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January 5th is National Keto Day in Moorestown and Medford, NJ, and it’s the perfect time to discuss how the popular diet can affect your oral health. Many people have successfully lost stubborn weight after adopting ketogenic dietary practices, which include restricting carbohydrate intake and increasing dietary fat intake while consuming a moderate amount of protein.
If you’re thinking about jumping on the keto bandwagon or if you’ve already started the diet, it’s important to understand the possible side effects you could experience. One of the most common side effects is the dreaded “keto breath,” which can be a cause for alarm if you aren’t expecting it.
