It is not uncommon for people living vegan to face criticism about their diet. Increased risk of nutrient deficiencies is a particularly common topic. And this, in turn, is said to damage teeth. But what's behind the criticism?
Since my last article on the vegan lifestyle and oral health, I have been exploring this topic more and more. I am glad that this topic seems to have helped several people who have asked the same question as me. So here is the 2nd article with perhaps the most important topics when it comes to vegan dentistry.
It is not uncommon for people living vegan to face criticism about their diet. The increased risk of nutrient deficiencies is a particularly common topic. And this, in turn, is said to damage teeth. But what's behind the criticism?
According to the following reasons, vegans are said tohave worse teeth. Let's look at them together.
My trusted dentist, Dr. Alberto Fanelli, will answer these questions. You can send me your questions at the end of the article and I will be happy to answer them with him.
Dr. Alberto Fanelli
Specializing in Endodontics, Conservative and Prosthodontics
- Vegans have nutrient deficiencies
Following a vegan diet means finding alternatives to many foods that are part of the daily diet of non-vegans. All animal foods are automatically eliminated: meat, of course, but also milk, butter, eggs, etc.
Dr Fanelli: What nutrients do we need to maintain healthy teeth?
Regarding dental health, it is not only vegans who should pay attention to calcium and vitamin D. A good intake of these two micronutrients plays an important role not only in maintaining bone density but also in mineralization of teeth. An unbalanced diet, vitamin D deficiency, andinsufficient intake of calcium are therefore potentially detrimental to all teeth.
It is important to get these important nutrients from other food sources such as Chinese cabbage, black cabbage, kale, broccoli, white beans, almonds, sesame paste, dried figs, calcium-rich algae, and calcium-fortified foods.+
- Vegans and acidity
That a vegan diet focuses on fruits and vegetables is obvious. And it is true, the acid in fruit can attack tooth enamel and "dissolve" it. Enamel is very important for our teeth, it is like a protective coating and it heats up against acids, heat and cold. However, this does not mean that we should stop eating fruit.
Dr. Fanelli: after each meal you recommend rinsing your mouth with water to neutralize acids. Caution: we recommend waiting half an hour after each meal before brushing your teeth. Otherwise, softened enamel may simply be pushed away and once it is gone, it will never return.
- Vegans have a calcium deficiency
Doctors recommend drinking cow's milk or consuming dairy products for dental health but it is not the only way to get calcium. A diet rich in calcium with fortified plant drinks, tahini, nuts and/or appropriate mineral water can meet calcium needs.
- Vegans tend not to use a toothpaste with fluoride.
Research has shown that vegans are more likely to choose fluoride-free toothpaste because they are not sure about this ingredient. This trend started a few years ago, which is why many consumers now believe fluoride is dangerous.
Dr. Fanelli, is fluoride harmful?
Fluoride is a very important component because it promotes the formation of enamel that is more resistant to bacterial plaque attack and is therefore essential for healthy and robust tooth growth. It helps prevent caries by forming fluorapatite making tooth surfaces more resistant to acid attacks produced by bacteria. Proper fluoroprophylaxis can be implemented systemically (water, milk, salt, etc.) and topically (gels, toothpastes, mouthwashes). Obviously, it becomes dangerous only when the intake especially during the growing period of the organism (especially before 8 years of age) exceeds a certain threshold limit exposing to the risk of fluorosis. A condition in which the tooth structure weakens because it is altered by the excessive amount of fluoride.
If fluoroprophylaxis is correct a good alternative to fluoride is our toothpastes because we use the active ingredient hydroxyapatite. Clinically, hydroxyapatite resembles the property of tooth enamel, so it can help protect the tooth surface from erosion.
So being vegan and having healthy teeth is not a problem if you know how to take action. Of course this includes thorough daily dental care as well as checkups with professional teeth cleaning. If you have any questions for Dr. Fanelli, feel free to email me anytime: nora@promis.care or on Instagram.
Our products are vegan: discover here our promis pastes with and without fluoride