A raw vegan diet might be better for teeth Original paper

Limited evidence suggests that vegetarians may have better oral health than omnivores.^[1] However, more research is needed to elucidate the potential effects of vegetarian or vegan diets on dental health.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between a raw vegan diet and periodontal and dental parameters. After completing questionnaires to assess oral hygiene, 118 participants (59 vegans and 59 omnivores) provided saliva samples to determine saliva pH. The participants underwent examinations to evaluate caries; decayed, missing, or filled teeth; decayed, missing, or filled surfaces; oral hygiene as measured by plaque and debris; and periodontal health parameters.

Raw vegans had higher rates of flossing than omnivores. The pH of saliva provided by raw vegans was significantly more acidic than the omnivorous group (6.52 vs. 6.78). There were no differences in overall decayed, missing, or filled teeth measurements or surface scores. However, the number of missing teeth was higher in the omnivorous group, while the number of filled teeth was higher in the raw vegan group. Raw vegans had less plaque and debris present than omnivores. In terms of periodontal health, raw vegans had lower probing pocket depth and bleeding on probing.