Vegan Diet When You’re Getting Braces

Going vegan is simply great for so many reasons. But did you know that both vitamin D and calcium are necessary for oral health? Many people have dietary preferences that exclude dairy products, and this can lead to deficiency of vitamin D and calcium. This is the reason vegans and vegetarians are more likely to suffer from oral problems.

The risk is even greater when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment since vegan diets alter pH balance in your mouth. And if braces and teeth are not cleaned properly, it can lead to tooth decay and gum infections. So, if you follow a vegan diet and worried about your oral hygiene and health, here are a few foods you will need to include in your diet that would supplement the lack of vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B6 too.

“While wearing braces, your dietary

preference may have a negative effect

on your mouth.

So, do your research and keep

your smile beautiful.”

Vegan Sources of Calcium

The lack of calcium in our teeth make them soft. Here are a few foods you can include in your vegan diet:

• Soy Yogurt – Soybeans are rich in calcium and also offer protein, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals. Soy yogurt not only has good levels of calcium but also magnesium, vitamin C, and iron.
• Beans, Lentils and Peas – These foods are rich in calcium as well as iron, zinc, magnesium, and folate.
• Seaweed – Varieties like wakame and kelp provide 12% and 14% of the RDI (Recommended Dietary Intake).
• Vegetables – Some vegetables, especially the bitter ones, are rich in calcium. Here’s what you should add in your diet:

1. Spinach
2. Bok choy
3. Turnip
4. Mustard
5. Okra
6. Kale
7. Cabbage
8. Broccoli
9. Brussels sprouts

Vitamin D Rich Foods 

Vitamin D is important since it absorbs calcium, keeping the teeth healthy. Here are some foods rich in vitamin D.

• Mushrooms – Mushrooms are a great vitamin D supplement. To boost vitamin D content, set them out in the sun.
• Tofu – Tofu usually provides 20% of the recommended daily allowance.
• Oranges – Eat one cup of orange a day to maintain good vitamin D levels.

Source of Vitamin B6 

Mashed potatoes are a good source of vitamin B6 and should be included in your diet since the deficiency of vitamin B6 can cause a sore and burning mouth.

While diet is important, good oral hygiene is equally critical. Here’s what you should know and follow if you’re a vegan and have got braces:

• Use a vegan-friendly mouthwash after having a meal to wash away the leftover bits of food.
• Leave some time between meals to allow your body time to produce the saliva it needs.

While wearing braces, your dietary preference may have a negative effect on your mouth. And usually, information about what to add and remove from your diet is a part of the orthodontic treatment. But it is important to take responsibility of your oral health. So, do your research and keep your smile beautiful.

Have you worn braces while on a vegan diet?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

About the Author

Sharon William’s day job is to handle digital marketing for Koch Orthodontics in Loganville, GA. With a flair for creating compelling content that clears the clutter and connects with the audience in an instant, she writes about dental topics to educate and help her readers. She truly believes that a genuine smile can win a million hearts and talks to her readers about improving their smiles and overall dental health, as well as enhancing their overall lifestyle. In her free time, she likes to organize small meets in her neighbourhood where she brings people together to discuss various topics that she writes about.