How Being Vegan Affects Your Teeth

There is no doubt that a plant-based diet is optimal for health. Omnivores and
vegans alike benefit from the nutrients present in plants.

But how does what we eat relate to our dental health?

Is a vegan diet better or worse for dental health?

Well, it depends. There are some concerns for oral health when one consumes a vegan
diet. Here are the main ones:

Vitamin B12 deficiency
A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Vegans should
supplement with adequate B12, as plants do not provide this important nutrient.

Lack of remineralizing foods
Remineralization occurs when essential minerals that support hardened, healthy
enamel are resup-plied to the tooth after loss caused by acid erosion. The best
remineralizing foods include cheese, meat, and milk, but nuts and leafy greens can
also help.

Lack of important amino acids
One example is the amino acid arginine, which is found in meat, poultry, fish, and
dairy. Arginine helps prevent cavities and gum disease by breaking down dental
plaque. While arginine is found in higher quantities in meat, vegan sources of arginine
include pumpkin seeds, peanuts, soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas.

Calcium concerns
Your body needs enough calcium to support healthy teeth and gums. Vegans need to
supplement their diet with plenty of plant sources that contain calcium (almonds,
leafy greens, beans, etc.) as well as fortified vegan milks (almond, soy, rice, etc.).

Frequent snacking
Continual snacking provides an environment for bacteria to thrive and attack your
tooth’s enamel. Vegans may be more prone to frequent snacking in an effort to meet
their body’s need for energy. You may find eating meals with a higher fat content
helps you stay full for longer periods of time.

More sugars/starches in the diet
It can be easy as a vegan to eat a diet based on sweet/starchy foods like fruits and
grains (cereal, bread, pasta, crackers, rice, etc.). But the bacteria in your mouth that
cause tooth decay thrive on sugar. Make sure to round out your diet with non-sugary
foods, such as tofu, nuts, seeds, and plenty of vegetables.

If you’re a vegan, you already know you have to be mindful of certain key nutrients
that you may need to focus on or supplement in your diet. Keep this list in mind to
ensure your dental health is also in tip-top shape!

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an appointment by giving us a call at 585-671-9580 or through our website at
julianofamilydental.com.