How a Vegan Diet Affects Oral Health

If you choose to be a vegan, you're more than welcome to do so, but keep in mind that this kind of diet could harm your oral health. Here's how to keep your smile strong eating animal-product-free foods.

More and more now, it’s not uncommon to “go vegan.” People can have various reasons for giving up meat and animal products. Still, do note that this choice will impact your mouth. A vegan diet can negatively affect oral health at times. If you aren’t careful, a meat-free life will damage your teeth and gums. Luckily, there are helpful steps you can take. Here’s a primer on how vegan eating can harm oral health, including ways for vegans to protect their smiles.

Going Vegan Can Hurt Your Grin
Humans are born omnivores – eaters of meat and plants. As such, switching to a plant-only diet can hurt your oral health. It often leads to issues like:

Nutritional Deficiency

For humans, some of the best nutrient sources are meat-based. That means giving them up can cause nutritional deficiencies. If that happens, you’ll be at greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

As a vegan, you may struggle to get several smile-related nutrients. Calcium – a mineral that strengthens enamel – is often found in dairy. Meanwhile, the vitamin D to process calcium is common in fatty fish, cheese, and milk. Animal products comprise most sources of vitamin B12, which is needed to avoid bad breath and mouth ulcers.

Constant Snacking

True enough, non-vegans can also engage in all-day snacking. However, vegans are especially likely to snack constantly. (Doing so meets their bodies’ energy needs.) They then put their smiles at serious risk.

You see, constant eating lowers your mouth’s Ph level. That means it creates an acidic environment in your mouth. As this setting persists, your tooth enamel will wear down until you get cavities. The result will be a weak and pained grin.

Starchy & Acidic Food
Of course, the acids from constant snacking are bad enough. Still, another aspect of veganism can make things worse. You’ll likely snack on carb-rich acidic fruits, grains, and sugar products.

Naturally, these foods will make your mouth even more acidic. Carbs and sugars attract bacteria that produce harmful acids. As the latter reach your teeth, they’ll erode your enamel and cause cavities.

How Can Vegans Protect Their Smiles?
Even with the above factors, a vegan can keep their mouth safe. It’s just a matter of using the right tips and tricks. In particular, consider those below:

Eat Nutrient-Rich Meals: - If you do stop eating meat, find other sources of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Key examples are broccoli, leafy greens, soybeans, and cereals.
Be Careful of Snacking: While it might be hard, try to resist the urge to snack. You should stick to three square meals instead. Otherwise, go for healthier fare like nuts, seeds, and tofu.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: To remove any leftover bacterial acids, clean your teeth daily. Doing so should involve twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing.
Clearly, a vegan diet can affect your oral health for the worse. Given that fact, remember the tips and tricks above. You can also talk to your local dentist about other ways to strengthen your smile.