Background: The author examined fad diet practices associated with oral health status and the role of the dental practitioner in addressing relevant issues.
Conclusions: The author reviewed the literature regarding overweight and obesity in the United States to interpret issues that might arise in reviewing fad diet practices among dental patients. The author provides suggestions for assisting patients in choosing dietary and lifestyle behaviors that are based on current public health evidence in support of achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Clinical implications: Dental professionals are well-positioned to guide patients toward dietary choices that support dental health and the attainment of a healthy weight associated with a decreased risk of developing chronic diseases.