You probably know that a diet can affect your health. Similarly, you probably know that a diet can affect your teeth—but do you know what a vegetarian diet could do to your teeth? Unfortunately, a vegetarian diet can lack some of the nutrition you need, which could eventually harm your teeth or gums. However, if you’re careful, a vegetarian diet can have its advantages.
As you probably know, a vegetarian diet doesn’t include any meat. People who follow this diet also tend to avoid their sugar consumption and alcohol intake, and usually drink more water than most people do. Similarly, vegetarians are usually very aware of how food will impact their bodies.
Still, many people miss vitamin D3 when they follow a vegetarian diet. Vegetarians may also be deficient in calcium, which can have a major impact on their teeth. For example, the lack of these two ingredients can lead to an increased risk of gum disease, mostly because your teeth may soften, making them more prone to cavities and decay.
Fortunately, you can still enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile—even if you choose to follow a vegetarian diet. However to keep your teeth healthy and strong, please remember to keep your diet well balanced. In order to do so, we recommend getting enough calcium and vitamin D3 by eating foods such as fruits, legumes, and grains. Doing so can help you enjoy healthy teeth for years.
If you are concerned about your diet, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our dentist, Dr. Michael Doty, and our team will gladly examine your mouth suggest anything you should consider doing to enjoy an even healthier smile. To schedule an appointment with us, just call Abingdon Dental Arts at 276-628-6251. We are eager to receive you call.