Nutrition & Diet Vegan diet and cavities

[Second Summer]

Arginine, an amino acid found naturally in foods like meat and dairy, breaks down dental plaque, helping keep cavities and gum disease at bay, according to a new study in PLOS ONE. And this teeth-friendly amino acid is most commonly found in red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy—which means while it’s great for high-protein carnivores, vegans may be missing out on the dietary plaque prevention.

More: Does a Vegan Diet Cause Cavities? Dental Tips for Vegans - Shape Magazine (May 12, 2015)

It goes on to say that arginine is also found, to a lesser extent, in beans, and that there are also mouthwashes and toothpastes with this amino acid.