How Vegans Can Protect Their Oral Health

People who live the vegan lifestyle avoid eating anything that contains ingredients that come from animals, including meat and dairy products. There are a lot of great health benefits offered through the vegan lifestyle, but there are also some risks it can have on a person's oral health. Luckily, a person living this lifestyle can protect his or her mouth by taking the right steps.

The risks of the vegan lifestyle on oral health

People who do not eat any animal products often have a problem keeping their Vitamin D and calcium levels high enough because the main way people consume these two ingredients is through meat and dairy products. Calcium is a mineral that is essential for good bone health, but it is also essential for having strong teeth. In order for your bones, teeth, and body to absorb calcium, your body needs Vitamin D. Vitamin D and calcium work together, and both are extremely vital for the body. Without these ingredients, teeth can weaken and develop more problems, and this puts vegans at a higher risk for oral problems.

What vegans can do to protect their teeth

If you live a vegan lifestyle and do not want to experience problems with your teeth, there are things you can do that may help you keep stronger, healthier teeth. The best thing you can do is to consume foods that will provide you with adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D, and you can do this and still avoid eating any types of animal products. Some foods you could start eating include leafy green vegetables, soybeans, broccoli, tofu, okra, and kale. These foods contain high levels of calcium, which will help your body and teeth stay strong.

You should also consider spending more time in the sun, as this is a natural way to get Vitamin D, which is a vitamin that helps the body absorb the calcium it takes in. If you cannot spend a lot of time in the sun, you should consider taking Vitamin D supplements every day to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs.

If you are interested in learning more about protecting your teeth and avoiding oral problems, you should visit a dental clinic for an examination and cleaning. During your appointment, make sure to go over any concerns you have with your dentist. You can do this by scheduling a visit with a dental clinic, such as Ramtown Dental Associates.