Whether you are switching to a vegan diet or are already plant based, you may be wondering what vegan food to eat for strong teeth. Hawthorn East Dental provides professional advice on your teeth regardless of your dietary choices.
What’s important to note is that it matters not if you are vegan, vegetarian or a meat eater as research has proven that what is important for all people is eating plenty of fresh, raw fruit and vegetables to maintaining your dental health and keep your teeth and gums in optimum condition.
This, coupled with good dental hygiene habits is what we recommend for the longevity of your teeth.
Food and your Oral Hygiene as a Vegan
As Dr Andrea Abazari, who is an Italian holistic dentist explains, having fear around fruit and the sugar contained therein, may only be more of a problem if the fibre is removed, for example if you are juicing. However, given that the fibre in oranges and mangoes can get stuck between the teeth, it’s a good idea to floss.
He recommends brushing before bedtime and not directly after a meal, and ensure you have regular checkups.
Incorporating fresh food into your diet to ensure maximum retention of vitamins, rather than losing nutrients to cooked foods, can make a big difference in your dental health.
Foods to Consider
Calcium is an important vitamin needed for teeth along with other nutrients to maintain your dental health. Our top recommended foods are:
– Broccoli
– Leafy greens
– Apples
– Carrots
– Raisins
– Celery
– Almonds
– Lentils and Legumes are a great food
– Pumpkin seeds, chia, flaxseeds, and other seeds
– Cranberries, which are rich in anthocyanins
Ensure your diet is varied as different foods contain different nutrients. We do recommend you incorporate other foods that are not stated above but the ones above are specifically good for teeth.
Green tea – whilst obviously not a food, is a great alternative to other tea and coffee. Water cannot be under-estimated. The production of saliva relies on water so if you want to put saliva to work, which helps with your teeth, drink plenty of water.
Be wary of acidic foods, soda and sugary drinks, that can wear away at your tooth enamel.
If you are new to being a Vegan then ensure you get the right advice about food. Invest in some recipe books (including raw food books) and book in with our dental team here at Hawthorn East Dental to keep your teeth in top condition.