Veganism has skyrocketed in recent years and is often the topic of discussion at many dinner tables. There seems to be an endless amount of information running rampant these days, and it can be extremely difficult to know what is truth and what is “fake news.” Many say that a vegan diet is the healthiest way to live, and others say that it is full of deficiencies. Whether you’re vegan for your health, the animals, or the planet, it is important to understand just exactly how it is benefitting your body and if there are any specific extra needs you may need to tackle while you munch away on your tofu and raw cashews. A recent topic of debate that has arisen in the never-ending vegan “bad or good” discussion is whether or not it is helping or harming your teeth. Today let’s discuss whether or not a vegan diet benefits your dental health.
Can’t you only get calcium from dairy?
It is a common misconception that calcium is only derived from dairy products. Calcium is an essential mineral that is vital for bone and teeth health in humans. Remember all of those “Got Milk?” ads that promoted dairy as the way to build strong bones? They may have led you a bit astray with that campaign. Calcium can be found in dairy products, but that’s not the only way you can incorporate the essential mineral into your diet. Foods like chia seeds, broccoli, soybeans, soy milk, and tofu are rich in the vital nutrients that will keep you from spending any extra dreaded time at the dentist. So feel free to top your vegan tacos with some vegan sour cream and have a worry-free smile that will be shining bright and white. If you’re newly veg-curious, check out this website to make your veggie transition a little easier!
Vitamin D is another essential vitamin that is necessary for strong bone health. Vitamin D’s role is essential to help your body absorb calcium, ensuring strong teeth and bones. It is healthiest to get this vitamin through rays of sunshine but in the winter months and if you tend to stay indoors it’s important to ensure that you’re eating the proper foods or supplementing properly with a daily vitamin D supplement. Vegan foods that are high in vitamin D are fortified soy milk, mushrooms, fortified orange juice, and fortified cereals. If you’re opting to supplement, in order to enhance absorption, it’s recommended that you take vitamin D supplements with a meal. Foods that are high in fats, like avocados, nuts, and seeds, are especially helpful with increasing the absorption of the vitamin into your bloodstream.
The importance of dental health.
Whether or not you’ve fully transitioned into an animal-loving plant-based diet, proper dental health care is imperative. In order to prevent yourself from requiring a new crown on a regular basis, regular visits to the dentist and proper at-home care are vital. Finding an experienced dentist can be challenging, and fear of the dentist is on many people’s list for the thing they are afraid of the most! Doing a simple Google search for a qualified “dentist in sydney” or your local area doesn’t have to take up hours of your time. You’re headed for a beautiful and confident smile to go along with your fridge full of all of the best vegan alternative staples. Don’t forget to take preventative measures and brush, floss, and use mouth wash every day to keep your teeth perfect for years to come.
Disclaimer: Always consult a medical professional when altering your diet.