{"id":124,"date":"2021-05-13T16:08:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-13T16:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ecodentalgroup.com\/blog\/?p=124"},"modified":"2021-07-15T16:09:15","modified_gmt":"2021-07-15T16:09:15","slug":"can-a-vegan-diet-be-bad-for-your-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecodentalgroup.com\/blog\/2021\/05\/13\/can-a-vegan-diet-be-bad-for-your-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Vegan Diet Be Bad for Your Oral Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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You may be, or have considered, following a plant-based diet for health or ethical reasons, such as animal welfare, environmental impact, or lowering cholesterol. Being vegan, or vegetarian, is a lifestyle that has become increasingly popular in recent years. As of 2021, 6% of U.S. consumers say they are vegan\u2014a 6x (500%) increase compared to just 1% in 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Veganism may seem like an overall healthier diet, but it can cause your bone health to suffer if you\u2019re not careful. When a diet is lacking protein and dairy, two of the five major food groups, it can increase the risk of dental problems. Read on to learn how veganism affects oral health and what you can do to maintain a healthy smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Does a Vegan Diet Affect Your Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nutritional Deficiencies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studies suggest vegans are much more likely to experience dental problems<\/a> than non-vegans. This can be attributed to the lack of vitamin D and calcium in a vegan diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your body needs calcium to support healthy teeth and gums, and vitamin D is needed to absorb it. Dairy, fish, and eggs are excellent sources of both nutrients\u2014unfortunately, those foods are not options for vegans. People following a plant-based diet must find alternative sources for these nutrients, such as soybeans, broccoli, almonds, or mushrooms, or else they risk causing harm to their teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of Amino Acids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Amino acids, often referred to as the building blocks of proteins, are compounds that have many critical roles in your body. You need 20 different amino acids to grow and function properly, though only nine are considered essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arginine<\/strong> is an essential amino acid that can be found in meat, poultry, dairy, and fish. It\u2019s a critical part of your diet because it helps prevent cavities and gum disease by breaking down dental plaque. Plant-based alternatives that include amino acids are soy products, chickpeas, lentils, and pumpkin seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snacking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Non-vegans typically eat two to three well-balanced meals a day, sometimes more depending on their lifestyle. However, vegans and vegetarians tend to snack more often to meet their bodies\u2019 nutritional needs. Constant snacking is not good for dental health because the frequent contact of food with teeth puts people at a higher risk of plaque and cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Do to Maintain a Healthy Mouth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Outside of your diet, factors such as genetics, oral hygiene, and lifestyle can contribute to the state of your dental health. Here are some tips for following a plant-based diet while taking care of your teeth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n