The Impact of Raw Vegan Diet on Dental Health & Oral Hygiene

Hello, raw vegan lovers; I’m sure each of you knows what perfect effects are in your lives, thanks to raw vegan foods and fruits!
But have you ever wondered how a raw vegan diet impacts dental health and oral hygiene?
I can see your eyebrows have raised! But that is true; in a balanced raw vegan diet, even your dental health and oral hygiene will be healthier.
As a passionate advocate for a raw vegan lifestyle, I understand the importance of oral health and the impact of diet on our teeth and gums.
Many people have concerns about the effects of a raw vegan diet on dental health. Still, it’s time to debunk the misconceptions and explore the truth.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the effects of a raw vegan diet on dental health and oral hygiene, providing you with evidence-based information and practical advice to maintain a healthy smile.

Understanding the Raw Vegan Diet

Before we dive into the impact of a raw vegan diet on dental health, let’s first define what it entails. A raw vegan diet is a subset of vegetarianism in which individuals consume only uncooked plant-derived foods.
The raw vegan diet is a subset of vegetarianism, where individuals consume only uncooked plant-derived foods.

These include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains. The primary focus is on consuming foods in their natural, unprocessed state, without any animal products or foods that have been exposed to high heat.

The philosophy behind this diet is that cooking food can destroy essential nutrients and enzymes, and which are believed that raw foods have numerous health benefits. Raw vegans aim to maximize their intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants by consuming foods in their natural, unaltered form.

The Link Between Raw Vegan Diet and Dental Health

There is a common misconception that a raw vegan diet can lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues. However, it’s important to note that this assumption is biased.

Often, we pay more attention to health problems in individuals who have adopted a healthier diet while disregarding poor dental health in those on a standard diet.
Numerous studies have shown a strong connection between diet and oral health.

Poor dietary choices, such as a high intake of sugary and processed foods, can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. On the other hand, a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can promote healthy teeth and gums.

Dental Health of Raw Vegans

Several studies have explored the dental health of raw vegans compared to individuals on a cooked-food diet. One study found that raw vegans had better oral hygiene than their traditional diet counterparts [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov].

This could be attributed to the emphasis on consuming whole, unprocessed foods, which reduces the possibility of plaque and tooth decay.

Effects of Raw Vegan Diet on Periodontal and Dental Parameters

Another study investigated the effect of a raw vegan diet on periodontal and dental parameters. The study compared 59 raw vegans to 59 control participants and evaluated various oral health indicators [https://examine.com/].

The results showed that raw vegans had lower probing pocket depth and bleeding on probing, both of which are markers of periodontal health. These findings suggest that a raw vegan diet may positively impact gum health.

The Raw Vegan Diet & Gum Health

Since Gum plays a super important role in your dental health, it is not any less important to care about it and keep it healthy!

Fortunately, it is a fact that a raw vegan diet is packed with various minerals, vitamins, and fiber! And you know what? That’s like the lost puzzle in your gum health.

The impact of a balanced raw vegan diet on dental health and oral hygiene is something undeniable; let’s start from the Gum, shall we?

Interesting fact! A raw plant-based diet rich in fiber can easily stop the progress of periodontal diseases, including gingivitis!

This means eating nuts, seeds, peanuts, and even soy milk can help you with your gum health on rainy days, which is great since we all have a large quantity of fiber daily in our raw vegan diet!

Choosing your diet will determine which kind of bacteria and how much of that can be found in your mouth, and it’s another reason why a raw vegan diet can benefit you!

One important aspect of a raw vegan diet is to stop having many other foods, including fast foods, too much sugar, fats, etc.

This will result in less general trouble with your dental health and oral hygiene!

Calcium & dental health

Regarding dental health, calcium is one of those minerals crucial to keep them strong, healthy, and on their feet!

Many of you might not think of calcium in a raw vegan diet. Still in this section, I will reveal the secret and show you vegan lovers have as many options as others to cover their calcium needs!

First, we have almonds, those crunchy little powerhouses packed with goodness. These nuts are not only a great source of healthy fats but also contain calcium.
And let’s not overlook the mighty figs! These delicious fruits are not only a delightful treat but also contain calcium. Enjoy them as a snack, or incorporate them into your raw desserts for a touch of natural sweetness.

1.  Soy Foods

Soy-based foods are one of the most excellent sources of calcium, and the good news is that you can have them in your raw vegan diet!
Soybeans are naturally rich in calcium. One cup (175 grams) of cooked soybeans provides 18.5% of your daily dietary requirement.
Products made from soybeans, such as tofu, tempeh, natto, soy milk, and soybean oil, are also rich in this mineral. Tofu made with calcium phosphate contains 350 mg per 100 grams. Tempeh and natto, made from fermented soybeans, also contain reasonable amounts of calcium. A 100g serving covers 11% of the daily requirement, while Nato provides about twice that amount.
Start by sprouting soybeans to unlock their nutritional potential. Soak the beans overnight, rinse them thoroughly, and let them sprout in a sprouting jar or tray for a few days. Enjoy these crunchy sprouts in salads, wraps, or as a tasty snack.

Consider combining various types of them and use them occasionally to get your calcium covered and help your dental health.

Tufo, for example, did you know that tofu made of calcium phosphate can be very helpful in this case? And if you are wondering how to use Tufo without heating, you must try it!

You can blend tufo or tempeh into creamy dressings, dips, or smoothies for added richness and protein. Create a tofu-based pudding or whip up a delicious tofu-based cheesecake. Yum!

• How to make soy milk at home
• How to make delicious soy sauce with soy puree
• How to make soy tofu at home

Use raw soy milk as a base for creamy smoothies or make nut milk blends. Ensure you choose a raw and unprocessed variety, or try making your own at home using soaked and blended soybeans.

On the other hand, less processed soy foods are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, soy is one of the few plant foods that contain protein. This is because soybeans contain many amino acids the body needs.

2.  Beans & Legumes

A large part of the impact of a raw vegan diet on dental health and oral hygiene depends on beans; interesting, right?

Besides fiber referred to earlier, beans are also filled with calcium, and eating them raw will be even better since heat will not take away any minerals!

Black beans and chickpeas are excellent choices when it comes to calcium-rich legumes. Raw vegans often soak these legumes and use them in various ways. You can include soaked black beans in salads or blend them with spices to create a delicious raw bean burger. On the other hand, Chickpeas can be sprouted and used in salads or transformed into creamy hummus.

It’s important to note that soaking legumes helps improve their digestibility and nutrient absorption. Soaking them overnight and changing the water a few times can make them more suitable for raw consumption. Additionally, sprouting legumes, like mung beans or lentils, further increases their nutrient content, including calcium.

3.  Seeds

Using seeds and oil seeds is another wise way to provide a large quantity of calcium per meal!

Chia and flax seeds, for example, contain 5 to 6 percent calcium in 20 to 25 grams, which is considered one of the best!

Chia seeds, tiny but mighty! These little guys are loaded with calcium and can be sprinkled on your smoothie bowls or added to your favorite raw desserts.

Oh, and how can we forget about flaxseeds? These small wonders are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and contain a fair amount of calcium. You can incorporate them into your raw diet using them in your homemade granola or as a salad topping.

Another calcium-rich gem is sesame seeds. These tiny seeds can be a tasty addition to your raw dishes and provide a good dose of calcium. Sprinkle them on your raw veggie stir-fry, or use them as a crunchy coating for your raw sushi rolls.

And that’s how we can get the calcium needed for our healthy teeth through a raw vegan diet and let others know plant-based fellows can bite well!

Vegan Sources of Calcium

Vitamins & Oral Hygiene

A vegan diet, especially a raw one, is a great source of vitamins that can increase oral hygiene health!

Let’s check on a few of them and remember how great it is to be on a raw vegan diet!

• Fruits

Imagine a fresh orange or a green apple, maybe a crunchy carrot; you can find almost all kinds of vitamins here.

It’s always great to keep fruit salad on the board for such cases and provide vitamins C and A, essential for oral hygiene and health.

Use kiwi, orange, pineapple, and strawberry fresh and frequently. Sometimes put them in a blender, and turn them into juice or smoothie for a better experience!

It’s also effective in your skin’s beauty and weight loss. If you wonder, so why not?

• Vegetables

Another vitamin source that is better to be used raw and uncooked to keep it just as perfectly beneficial as ever is vegetables!

Let’s take broccoli as an example, ladies and gentlemen! This affordable and delicious vegetable which you can put in a salad or dependently, is a great source of vitamin C.

Isn’t it great to see the impact of a raw vegan diet on dental health and oral hygiene?

Note that you need to eat it after chopping them because the more you wait, the more you see its goodies disappear!

• Zinc

Have you ever wondered what is the function of zinc when it comes to the impact of a raw vegan diet on dental health and oral hygiene?

Technically, zinc is like the engine of your dental health, and it is very important to ensure you have your needed zinc on the board.

It keeps the plaque under control and always keeps your breath fresh, which is a great point for many people dealing with this issue.

Are you ready to see another magic of being on a raw vegan diet? Many plant-based goodies on the table contain zinc, and cooking is unnecessary!

Peanuts, Chia seeds, Hemp seeds, and flaxseeds are all here to help us with better dental health and oral hygiene by getting enough zinc.

The specific need for zinc in women is around 12mg, and for men is 16.5 mg daily, so knowing it helps you aim for the right vegan diet.

Foods High in Zinc for Vegetarians and Vegans

• Magnesium

If you care about your beautiful smile and shiny white teeth, you better know magnesium is what can keep it that way.

Tooth enamel depends on this valuable mineral, and even more, it can grow the resistance against tooth decay which is what we all would like, right?

It’s interesting to know teeth are no different than other bones in your body, proving magnesium is useful to your teeth and a superhero to your bones!

Now, where can we get it from our vegan diet?

Pumpkin seeds, Spinach, Black beans, and peanuts are here to save us and in this field. Using them daily and especially raw is what can cause a great-looking smile.

See? Being on a raw vegan diet is not limited; you can have everything you need to increase dental health and oral hygiene.

The impact of a raw vegan diet on dental health and oral hygiene is not only about its strength; magnesium just proved that it could be effective on appearance, either!

Foods High in Magnesium for Vegetarians and Vegans

Saliva pH

One factor that can affect dental health is saliva pH. Saliva is a natural defense mechanism against tooth decay, and its pH level is crucial.
A study comparing raw vegans and omnivores found that the saliva pH of raw vegans was more acidic than that of the omnivorous group [Frugivorebiology.com].

This acidity may be attributed to the high intake of fruits.

PH Balance

It’s always good to know that a normal PH is 7.4; keeping it at this number can greatly affect your dental health and oral hygiene!

Generally speaking, every time you eat something, your mouth tends to be acidic, and leaving it like this will cause troubles in the long term, but how can you alkaline it using a raw vegan diet? Let’s see

• Fresh Beans & Lentils

A plate filled with fresh beans and lentils is exactly what your body is looking for to keep itself healthy and rich in the PH balance.

Apart from that, since beans and lentils are packed with fiber, it causes you not to feel hungry so often, and that means a skinny body with healthier teeth.

Beans and lentils might be inappropriate for a raw vegan diet since many people would rather use them cooked but hold on a second.

As a person who cares about his dental health and oral hygiene, you can not miss this goodie; with little research, you will find many methods to eat them raw and enjoy their natural taste!

• Whole Grains

Grains have always been a big part of the raw vegan diet, and knowing it’s effective in keeping PH balanced and alkaline in your body is what surprises anyone!

The impact of a raw vegan diet on dental health and oral hygiene is always about what you eat, so using the big family of grains can provide many useful minerals to your body and donates your stronger teeth.

The effect of raw vegan on oral cancer

Cancers have never been good, and oral cancer is not expected! This disease is the 6th most common cancer, so knowing how to prevent it through a raw vegan diet.

You need to know that iron and antioxidant are two of the best difference lines we can put in the way of oral cancer and better dental health and hygiene.

You can find many factors in raw vegan Foods to count on as the source of iron and antioxidant.

Spinach, for example, is one of the best sources of iron; you can have it frequently and be happy not to end up with oral cancer.

Technically, you can find antioxidants in many colorful goodies in your diet; that is an easy way to notice, right?

You can use sweet peppers in this case; not only are they delicious and smells well, but if you use yellow or red, you know many antioxidants will enter your body.

The impact of a raw vegan diet on oral hygiene and dental health is not only positive, but it can also prevent many diseases, god forbid you may get involved with.

So, cheers to a better and healthier life with a raw vegan diet!

Maintaining Dental Health on a Raw Vegan Diet

While a raw vegan diet can offer numerous health benefits, it’s essential to take steps to maintain optimal dental health. Here are some key considerations and practical tips to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy:

Proper Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene practices are crucial for everyone, regardless of their dietary choices. Regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste removes plaque and food particles from the teeth and gums. Additionally, daily flossing helps clean the teeth and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.

Balanced Nutrition

A well-balanced raw vegan diet can provide all the necessary nutrients for healthy teeth and gums. It’s important to ensure that your diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains to meet your nutritional needs. Calcium-rich foods such as leafy greens, sesame seeds, and almonds can help support tooth mineralization.

Hydration and Saliva Production

Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining saliva production, which plays a crucial role in oral health. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to wash away food particles and maintain saliva flow, which can help neutralize acids and protect against tooth decay.

Mindful Consumption of Acidic Foods

While raw fruits and vegetables are an integral part of a raw vegan diet, some acidic foods can affect dental health. Citrus fruits and juices, for example, are acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time. To minimize the impact, it’s advisable to consume these foods as part of a meal rather than as standalone snacks and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for everyone, including raw vegans. Dentists can assess your oral health, identify potential issues, and provide professional cleaning to remove tartar and plaque. They can also offer personalized advice and guidance tailored to your dietary needs.

“A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose.” – Tom Wilson

Summing Up

Congrats, dear friends, we get to the end of our journey, and it’s time to start thinking about applying some changes to our lives that benefit our bodies and the earth!

Speaking of change, what do you think about changing your diet for a lifetime? Are you ready to be one of us and embrace the raw vegan diet?

You are always welcome to share your comments about the impact of a raw vegan diet on dental health and oral hygiene!

I dare you to start tomorrow, and your body will be grateful for your decision!

sara

Hi, I’m Sara, a vegan mom of two. My family and I have been living a vegan lifestyle for over 8 years now. I’m excited to share tips and insights about veganism and plant-based living through my posts. I love exploring new ideas, reading, and finding ways to grow. My passion for learning drives me to share what I discover, hoping to inspire and inform others along the way. As a content writer and screenwriter, I’m passionate about creating impactful stories around veganism, animal rights, and social justice. I’ve written several short films that explore the connection between veganism and social justice, with my work featured in various publications. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop them in the comments section or shoot me an email through the contact form on the website—I usually respond within 24 hours.