There are many reasons people opt for a vegetarian diet. They may become vegetarians because of ethics, religion, or health reasons. If you are a vegetarian, you may be wondering how your diet affects your oral health.
Believe it or not, vegetarians are at a higher risk of cavities and gum disease than those who eat meat. This is because meat is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, which can strengthen the teeth and reduce the risk of oral issues.
The good news, however, is that there are other ways you can receive these nutrients and keep your smile in tip-top shape. Since dairy is full of calcium, which makes your teeth strong, we encourage you to eat foods such as eggs, dairy, spinach, broccoli, and tofu.
It’s also important for you to get enough protein to keep your teeth strong and prevent cavities. While meat is a good source of protein, there are vegetarian-friendly foods that can help you get your protein fix. We recommend beans, mixed nuts, and dried lentils.
By brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis and visiting our office every six months or so, you can catch oral issues early on and resolve them before they turn into more serious problems.
Contact River Run Dental
Here at River Run Dental, we support the vegetarian lifestyle and are committed to helping our vegetarian patients achieve excellent oral health. If you’d like some more tips on how to keep your teeth healthy while sticking to a vegetarian diet, don’t hesitate to call our office at (804) 262-1060.