How Being Vegan Affects Your Teeth

There is no doubt that being vegan and eating a plant-based diet is often 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, as with many things in life, 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. Of course, our goal is always catch and treat any tooth problems early (that’s why we stress the importance of regular dental hygiene exams), when they are easier and less expensive to deal with. But should tooth loss occur, rest assured we have the latest dentistry to help, including dental implants.

Lack of remineralizing foods

Remineralization occurs when essential minerals that support hardened, healthy enamel are resupplied 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. 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. Depending on the person, some 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!

As always, our friendly team is here to talk and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today at one of our Colorado dental offices in Boulder, Fort Collins and Windsor, Colorado.