According to a study conducted in January of 2022, roughly 10% of American adults consider themselves vegan or vegetarian. Furthermore, a whopping 65% of people have opted for a plant-based meat alternative in the past year. With personal health and environmental benefits, it’s not hard to see why either! However, as with any diet, it’s important to consider how cutting out meat and animal byproducts will affect your smile. Fortunately, you can read on to learn how a plant-based diet impacts your oral health!
A Quick Overview of How a Plant-Based Diet Affects Your Oral Health
In short, increasing your intake of leafy greens, nutrient-dense vegetables, fresh fruits, and healthy fats is something your doctor and dentist will be happy to hear! As with any diet, it’s important to be mindful of keeping your meals varied and your consumption of added sugar to a minimum. It’s also essential that you add smile-friendly foods to your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including oatmeal and plain yogurt.
3 Things to Keep in Mind to Protect Your Smile on a Plant-Based Diet
Regardless of the reason you chose to adopt a plant-based diet, it’s important that you do your best to avoid these common mistakes:
- Snacking excessively – Naturally, cutting out meat and animal byproducts drastically reduces your calorie intake, which is why many patients find themselves snacking more on a plant-based diet. Unfortunately, this can increase your chances of developing tooth decay, which is why making filling and satiating meals is so important.
- Eating acidic foods – Like sugary foods, acidic ones can quickly erode the enamel on your teeth. If you are eating something more acidic, like a pineapple, make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterward and brush your teeth 20 minutes later.
- Not including re-mineralizing foods – Did you know that meat, dairy, and seafood have been linked to the remineralization of your teeth? Fortunately, you can enjoy the same benefits by including nuts, leafy greens, and sea vegetables in your diet.
Good news: you can absolutely enjoy a plant-based diet while keeping your teeth and gums healthy. And, if you ever have any questions along the way about what you’re eating and how it’s impacting your smile, you can always talk to your dental team!
About the Author
Although his 40+ years of experience in the dental field is impressive enough on its own, what really sets Dr. Ray Voller apart is his genuine commitment to providing each patient with the comfortable, efficient, and personalized care they deserve. As for his studies, he attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, received the prestigious Fellowship and Mastership Awards from the Academy of General Dentistry, and completed all seven levels of continuing education offered by the prestigious Pankey Institute. If you would like to schedule an appointment with him to discuss a certain service or learn more about your oral health, visit his website or call (724) 543-4948.