From: DrMike ( -71.9.133.82)
Subject: Re: veganism and dental health
Date: July 16, 2012 at 8:21 am PST
In Reply to: Re: veganism and dental health posted by lisette on May 7, 2012 at 7:21 am:
Good question Ivory. In recent years, there has been a lot of development and
understanding of the causes of dental problems and the options for management
have expanded greatly. If you are concerned about decay, vegan and whole foods is
a winner.
Decay: Nibbling throughout the day can feed bacteria that cause decay. Frequency is
key. Having clean teeth, no organized bacterial film, will reduce the concentration of
the acid produced by the cavity causing bacteria.
Clean? Use your tongue to feel the biofilm BEFORE cleaning and after cleaning your
teeth. If you feel goo, brush and floss more/differently.
Bacterial testing: Since 2007 there has been a simple test to evaluate the type of
bacteria in your mouth. If you have a lot of cavity causing bacteria (60% of the
population) you can change this with diet and rinses. The test is an important part of
CAMBRA (caries management by risk assessment) and is called the CariScreen test.
(carifree.com)
Acid/GERD/LPRD and animal protein: Animal protein requires more digestive acid to
digest. If there is more acid in the stomach, there is a greater potential for acid to
come UP into the esophagus (GERD) and higher, into the mouth and sinuses (LPRD-
laryngopharyngeal reflux disease) GERD has symptoms of pain and people treat this.
LPRD is "silent GERD" and can bathe the teeth in acid, causing sensitivity, acid
erosion, and excessive wear. A vegan diet is more alkaline and requires less acid to
digest (Digestive Tune-up - McDougall).
Airway: You did not ask, but this is also huge in pulling up acid into the mouth. (See
Sleep Interrupted) If you have excessive throat clearing, a lump feeling in the throat, hoarseness this is likely related to diet and/or airway.
I recommend a vegan diet to patients that want to control acid erosion, excessive
wear, caries, and manage general health.
References: Sleep Interrupted by Park, Digestive Tune-up by McDougall, CariFree
Dentist since 1981. Vegan since 1-1-12.
