A plant-based diet has the potential to have a positive effect on our oral health, with benefits including lessening inflammation of the gums, lowering sugar intake and possibly preventing oral cancer. But the evidence isn’t all positive, and a plant-based diet doesn’t act as a replacement for strong oral hygiene.
The link between a nutritious diet and strong oral health is well-known, but how does a plant-based diet effect our dental health? With plant-based diets becoming increasingly popular in recent years, it is important to consider this diet’s impact on oral health.
While a plant-based diet can take many forms, it will typically consist of foods derived from plants – such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and beans. Across Canada, many people are choosing to adopt plant-based diets, underlining their popularity.
Plant-based diets are known to have many physical health benefits, such as stimulating weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels and decreasing the chances of cardiovascular disease [1].
But as well as physical health benefits, plant-based diets can have a positive effect on dental health, as we show in this article. However, there are some important considerations to be made.
Plant-based diet’s effect on oral health
Oral health continues to be very problematic for many people, with the World Health Organization going as far to say that untreated dental caries is the most common health condition worldwide [2].
The effect of a plant-based diet on oral health is a very-well studied area, with results largely pointing to plant-based diets having a positive effect on oral health, albeit with some caveats.
Mouth cancer presents one of the most serious issues in oral health (click here to read more). Figures from the Canadian Cancer Statistics found that in 2020, an estimated 5,400 Canadians were diagnosed with oral cancer, with the condition causing 1,500 deaths [3]. The American Dental Association have stated that “current evidence supports a diet high in fruits, vegetables and plant-based foods for prevention of oral cancer [4], which shows how a plant-based diet is considered to contribute to preventing oral cancer.
One of the biggest problems facing the population in the modern day is periodontal disease – better known as gum disease. Signs of gum disease include swelling (also known as inflammation) and redness around the gum.
A plant-based diet can lessen inflammation, as it is normally high in a form of acid known as gamma-linoleic acid, which is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties [5].
Furthermore, one study found that participants with a vegetable-based diet (similar to a plant-based diet) had significantly fewer symptoms of gum disease than study participants that had more of a more conventional and traditional diet [6].
As well as having anti-inflammation qualities, plant-based diets also typically cut out a lot of sugar – something that is a key cause of many oral health problems. Sugar has a debilitating impact on teeth, and is one of the leading drivers of tooth decay and eventual cavities.
Foods and beverages that contain refined sugars (essentially the unhealthiest type of sugar) are notoriously bad for our teeth. Foods and drinks high in refined sugars include ice cream, confectionery and soda. They are known to increase inflammation and acidity in the mouth.
Again, by using a plant-based diet, refined sugars are largely avoided. While sugar will still be consumed, such as in fruits, these are at least naturally occurring sugars which are less harmful to the mouth.
A word on citrus fruits
While there are clearly positives, as outlined above, it is important to mention the negative impact that citrus fruits can have. Studies show that citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges can erode tooth enamel faster than sources of refined sugars.
One large study found that by consuming citrus fruits more than twice a day was associated with 37 times greater odds of dental erosion when compared to those who didn’t. For comparison, those that had a daily can of soda had 4 times greater odds of dental erosion than those who avoided soda [7].
This study suggests that it is important to consume citrus fruits in moderation, and serves as a reminder that just because a food is seen as “healthy”, it doesn’t mean that it is totally free from harm.
Should I start having a plant-based diet?
The most important thing for our health (both oral and physical) is to have a well-balanced and nutritious diet. This doesn’t mean that you must have a plant-based diet!
While this diet does clearly have a positive effect on our oral health, it is too restrictive for some people.
But what we can all do as a minimum is to add more vegetables to our meals and continue good oral habits. This incudes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, avoiding sugary snacks where possible, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis for check-ups.
What we can offer at Savanna Dental
Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental offers our patients a huge range of services. We provide all of our patients with a comfortable environment, and are situated in a convenient location in Calgary.
Early detection of dental problems is crucial, which is why it is important to attend regular dental check-ups. If further treatment is required, we will provide you with a tailored and effective treatment plan that meets your circumstances.
Summary
As we have shown, plant-based diets do have the potential to be excellent for our oral health. But regardless of the diet chosen, there is no replacement for regular dental check-ups and strong oral hygiene.
We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, click here to visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca where you can take a look at the services that are available to our patients.
- [1] Mazur, M., Bietolini, S., Bellardini, D., Lussi, A., Corridore, D., Maruotti, A., Ottolenghi, L., Vozza, I., & Guerra, F. (2020). Oral health in a cohort of individuals on a plant-based diet: a pilot study. La Clinica Terapeutica. 171 (2), p142-148.
- [2] United Nations General Assembly. (2011). High Level Meeting on Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. Available: https://www.un.org/en/ga/ncdmeeting2011/. Last accessed: 14th May 2021.
- [3] Canadian Cancer Society. (2020). Oral Cavity Cancer Statistics. Available: https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/oral/statistics/?region=on. Last accessed: 9th April 2021.
- [4] Chainani-Wu, N., Epstein, J., & Touger-Decker, R. (2011). Diet and prevention of oral cancer: strategies for clinical practice. Journal of the American Dental Association. 142 (2), p166-169.
- [5] Rett, B. S., & Whelan, J. (2011). Increasing dietary linoleic acid does not increase tissue arachidonic acid content in adults consuming Western-type diets: a systematic review. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. 10 (8), p36.
- [6] Staufenbiel, I., Weinspach, K., Forster, G., Geurtsen, W., & Gunay, H. (2013). Periodontal conditions in vegetarians: a clinical study. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 67 (8), p836-840.
- [7] Järvinen, V. K., Rytömaa, I. I., & Heinonen, O. P. (1991). Risk factors in dental erosion. Journal of Dental Research. 70 (6), p942-947.
