Important Nutrients to Monitor for Your Oral Health If You Live a Vegan Lifestyle  

The shift toward plant-based diets has been a drastic one in modern society. And, there is no question that eating whole foods that are derived from plants can yield a list of health advantages. Nevertheless, when you completely eliminate animal products from your dietary lineup, certain nutrients can be a bit harder to come by. Unfortunately, not getting enough of certain key vitamins and minerals can be bad for the health of your smile. Take a look at a few key nutrients you may be missing if you eat strictly plants and how you can work them into your diet.

Calcium

Calcium is one of the most vital nutrients where the health f your teeth are concerned, and you can easily miss out on proper levels of calcium intake if you are eating only plant-based foods. To make sure you are getting enough calcium, be sure to incorporate plenty of leafy green veggies, such as kale and collard greens, but you may also want to consider adding vegan-friendly milk products that have been fortified with calcium. For example, you can find some almond and soy mils that have calcium added.

Vitamin B12

B12 is an essential vitamin that your body needs for many reasons, but it is also important to your oral health. B12 is not abundant in plants; it is usually found in meat and dairy products. However, quite a few foods are fortified with vitamin B12, such as breakfast cereals. You may also want to consider adding a B12 supplement to your everyday nutrition plan.

Amino Acids

Certain amino acids are more readily available in foods like poultry, red meat, milk, and fish. One amino acid specifically, arginine, is known to help thwart your risks of gum disease and possibly even help to break down plaque on the teeth. Even though you are eating vegan, you don’t have to go without arginine; you only have to work to incorporate certain foods into your diet. A few good sources of arginine include peanuts, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas.

Work with Your Beaumont Dentist to Protect Your Oral Health

Eating all-vegan all the time can offer a lot of good things to your body, but be sure your teeth are still getting what they need. Reach out to us at Southern Oaks Dental Care in Beaumont, TX to keep your oral health in check.