A plant-based diet is without a doubt best for your health. The nutrients found in plants are advantageous to both omnivores and vegans. But how is our dental health related to what we eat? Does eating a vegan diet improve or worsen dental health? It depends, really. When following a vegan diet, there are several oral health issues to be aware of.
Here are the main ones:
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Gum disease and tooth loss can result from vitamin B12 deficiency. Vegans should take enough B12 supplements because vegetables do not naturally contain this crucial mineral.
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. Cheese, meat, and milk are the finest remineralizing foods, although nuts and leafy greens can also be beneficial.
Lack Of Important Amino Acids
The amino acid arginine, which is present in meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products, is one instance. By removing dental plaque, arginine aids in the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. Although meat contains arginine in larger concentrations, vegans can get it from pumpkin seeds, peanuts, soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas.
Calcium Concerns
For strong teeth and gums, your body requires enough calcium. Almonds, leafy greens, legumes, and other plant sources of calcium, as well as fortified vegan milks, should be consumed in addition to a vegan diet (almond, soy, rice, etc.)
Frequent Snacking
Regular munching creates an environment where germs can flourish and destroy the enamel on your teeth. Vegans may be more likely to snack frequently in an effort to satisfy their bodies’ energy requirements. You could discover that meals with more fat in them keep you feeling fuller for longer.
More Sugar / Starches In The Diet
Being a vegan, eating a diet heavy in sweet and starchy foods like fruits and grains might be simple (cereal, bread, pasta, crackers, rice, etc.). However, the oral bacteria that cause tooth decay love sweets. Make sure to include plenty of vegetables, tofu, nuts, seeds, and other non-sugary items in your diet.
If you’re vegan, you already know that there are some important nutrients that you may need to concentrate on or add to your diet. To make sure your oral health is in peak condition, keep this list in mind!
