Does Being a Vegetarian Affect Your Dental Health?

Of course being a vegetarion is a matter of personal choice and we accept it as perfectly normal. However, we would like to make sure that you, as our patients, are informed on special preventative measures  and extra care tips you should implement to ensure you are taking the best care possible for your body and oral health.

Most adult vegetarians know the importance of balanced nutrition and therefore carefully monitor their diet. The potential for deficiencies is greatest among children and teenagers, and young adults who put themselves on vegetarian/ limited diets without knowing enough about their nutritional needs. Be sure to take the time and educatie your children and loved ones on the importance of balanced and nutritional diet, and the need of variety  in their menu.

Vegetarians could be a subject to a limited nutritional, mineral  and vitamin intake and therefore can experience deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12 or complete proteins. This can put them at greater risk for tooth decay, enamel erosion and gum disease, and other health risks apart from the ones in the oral cavity. Studies are contradicting on whether by eating the right amount of fruits, vegetables, grains and leafy greens, vegetarians can consume the nutrients they need. Therefore additional vitamin supplement is strongly  recommended.

Vegetarian diets and diets in which fruit comprises more than two-thirds of the total food intake also make individuals more susceptible to dental erosion. Not having enough of the everyday essential nutrients might soften teeth, leading to decay and possibly periodontal disease. Vegetarians might not be able to absorb calcium as well as other people with different diets. Frequent vomiting and acid reflux, both of which can introduce stomach acid into the mouth, also can cause dental erosion.

If you are considering adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet, first consult with your dentist and/or nutritionist to learn how to make smart food substitutions to ensure you are getting all necessary nutrients and to avoid further and unnecessary health risks.

And if you have any questions or concerns, you could always email us at  appts@newyorkdenturedental.com or call us at 212-689-0024. We are here to help!

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References: http://www.yourdentistryguide.com; http://www.westonaprice.org