I, who think of nothing but my teeth every day, consciously asked myself this question for the first time today: do a vegan diet and healthy oral flora get along?
I now know more and more people in my environment who are following a vegetarian or even vegan diet. These are lifestyles that are adopted for a variety of reasons.
I do not follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, yet I engage in mindful eating. Because our habitual eating patterns promote mass consumption, global overproduction, factory farming and, last but not least, the climate crisis. I personally try to not support these things with my actions.
But our diet says a lot about our health. Many of my vegan friends tell me how good they feel physically and mentally since they have chosen this diet. They tell me that their pounds are dropping and that they are in a good mood. So it sounds healthy, but what about oral health? I, who think of nothing but my teeth every day, consciously asked myself this question for the first time today: do a vegan diet and healthy oral flora go together?
People who are considering switching to a plant-based diet may wonder if it may have a negative impact on their overall health. But what about oral health? Typically, new vegans immediately make drastic changes to their diet, completely eliminating two of the major food groups: Meat and dairy products. However, these two foods are carriers of important ingredients that contribute to the health of our bones and consequently our teeth.
Dentists know that diet can directly affect the health of our teeth. A vegan diet can lead to vitamin or nutrient deficiencies inpeople who do not eat a complete diet and take vitamins through supplements. Vegetarians and vegans are therefore often deficient in calcium, vitamin D and fiber, putting themselves at greater risk of periodontal disease.
If you do not want to eat meat or other animal foods, it is important to know about alternatives and additional options. Supplements and dietary supplements can help you maintain not only your oral health, but the health of your entire body.
Research has shown the importance of calcium for teeth and bone and found that its deficiency is also directly linked to gum disease, a major cause of tooth loss. In addition, studies indicate a doubled riskof periodontitis if daily calcium requirements are not met.
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are actually the best sources of calcium. However, vegans can turn to a wide range of alternatives, for example,legumes such as beans, tofu, sesame seeds, nuts, as well as dried fruits and green leafy vegetables.
The raw foods made from fresh fruits and vegetables increase saliva production, which neutralizes acids in the mouth. Prolonged chewing cleans the teeth and thus prevents the formation of cavities. Again, low-acid beans and legumes and whole grain products are recommended to supplement missing fiber.
Maintaining dental health and following a vegan diet is not that difficult with the necessary prior knowledge. If you eat consciously and richly, you have nothing to worry about, provided that oral hygiene and dental care are not neglected. It is important to be well informed and aware of the risks. We recommend that you always talk to your dentist if you have any questions or problems and do not forget your semi-annual checkups and professional dental cleaning.
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