Many families in La Jolla are choosing to live a vegan life. While this plant-based lifestyle has some great benefits for overall health, it can come with some challenges for oral health. Some vegan families might think their diet is enough to keep their teeth healthy, but that is not true. It is still important to consult dentists to ensure good oral health.
The good thing is that family dentists in the La Jolla dental office understand the unique needs of vegan families. Nutrients like vitamin B12, calcium, and omega-3s are important for strong teeth and gums. However, vegans might miss out on these nutrients. Therefore, dentists can help by checking for any issues and giving advice on how to fill the gaps.
Certain vegan dietary choices can also lead to enamel erosion or gum issues. This is why regular dental visits are important, as they help catch problems early. Regardless of the type of diet your family follows, nothing should replace the professional advice and assessment of dentists. Make sure to schedule a visit at least twice a year.
Tailored nutritional advice for oral health
Calcium
Calcium intake is very important if you want healthy teeth and bones. If you are a vegetarian, you can get a good amount of calcium from food items such as fortified plant milks like almonds, soy, milk tofu, sesame seeds, and broccoli. These foods will provide you with enough calcium for healthy teeth and gums.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium, so it is also important for your dental health. If you do not have enough vitamin D, your body can not use calcium properly, which can affect your teeth. It may be difficult to get enough vitamin D from food sources; therefore, you should spend some time in direct sunlight.
Your body can produce vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun. Additionally, fortified foods like cereals, orange juice, and vitamin D supplements can also be helpful for people who may not get enough vitamins from the sunlight alone.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is also very important for your overall health, including gum health. If you are a vegan, you may again find it difficult to get enough B12. Therefore, it is very important to eat fortified foods such as plant milk, cereals, and nutritional yeast. Doctors also recommend b12 supplements to vegans to make sure they meet their daily needs.
Protein
Protein can make your tissues healthy, including those in your mouth. There are some protein-rich vegan options like legumes such as beans, lentils, etc) and nuts such as almonds and walnuts, which may provide the protein necessary for your overall dental health. These foods help with tissue repair and support the structure of teeth and gums.
Oral hygiene tips for vegans
Vegans should be very careful about the acidity of fruits and plant-based snacks. These can make the tooth enamel weak over time and increase the risk of decay. After you eat any acidic item like lemon or tomatoes, you must rinse your mouth properly with water. This practice will help you neutralize the acids and save your teeth.
It is also very important to brush and floss regularly to remove food particles and plaque from your mouth. You should not brush immediately after eating as it can damage the weakened enamel. However, you must wait for thirty minutes after eating. You must use toothpaste with fluoride because fluoride makes your enamel strong and protects it from decay.
Trying to maintain a vegan life?
A lot of people are moving towards the vegan lifestyle. While it is great that you care about animals, it is important to remember to take care of your oral health. Schedule a consultation today to receive personalized advice on nutrition and oral care.
