There are countless ways that eating a healthy, plant-based diet can have a positive impact on you and the world around you. A vegan diet can benefit the environment and your health. There are many vegan foods that are good for your teeth, so it can benefit your dental health too! Let’s talk about a few of them.
Beneficial Foods
There are numerous vegan foods that are good for your teeth because they are an excellent source of the vitamins and minerals that are necessary for your oral health. Leafy green vegetables such as kale, asparagus, cabbage, and spinach offer nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C to help keep your teeth strong, healthy, and resistant to decay.
Chewing crunchy raw fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery along with nuts and seeds can also help to keep your teeth clean. In fact, apples have been dubbed “nature’s toothbrush” for their natural ability to help scrub your teeth clean as you eat them.
Vegan Foods that are Bad for Your Teeth
Not all vegan diets are equal. When discussing vegan foods that are good for your teeth, it’s also important to talk about those that can be bad for your teeth, as well.
Foods that are high in sugar and starches like rice, wheat, and bananas can all contribute to plaque build-up and tooth decay. Chewy, sticky foods like peanut or almond butter can also be an issue because of their tendency to linger on the surface of your teeth and between your teeth, which can lead to cavities. Acidic fruits can increase the risk of damage to your tooth enamel, as well. In fact, studies have shown that vegans have higher rates of erosion due to acid than omnivores.
It’s not possible or advisable to avoid all foods that can be bad for your teeth, due to their many other health benefits. So just be mindful to enjoy these foods in moderation, and if it’s not possible to brush after you eat then use a mouthwash or rinse with water.
Dental Care is Still Important
As healthy as eating vegan can be for your teeth and your whole body, it’s still important to keep up a good at-home dental care regimen and to visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings and exams. Good dental health is vital to enjoying a plant-based diet with nutrient-rich whole foods, so it’s important to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and strong, and your dentist is here to help.
Call our Parker Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.