New year, new diet – But is going vegan bad for your teeth?

Veganism is one of the fastest-growing food trends in the world with A-list celebrities including Zac Efron and David Attenborough promoting the benefits of a meat-free diet.  In the space of a few years, Australia has quickly become the second most popular country in the world for vegans.  But, because nothings ever as it seems, before embarking on a dietary change you should do your research and consider the potential impacts on your oral health. We grilled with Doctor Rick Iskandar, who’s a Philips Sonicare ambassador and principal dentist at Tailored Teeth, who had some important things to say. Why do dentists go on about toothbrushes and oral health? Many of the complaints people have about their mouth and teeth are caused by plaque, a sticky layer containing colonies of bacteria and their by-products that forms on our teeth over time. Bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay and staining can all be caused by plaque being left on your teeth and gums for longer than it should be. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily limits the amount of time plaque and bacteria sit on your teeth and helps to prevent many of the smelly, unsightly or painful consequences of neglected teeth. The right toothbrush is key to good oral health. I started recommending electric toothbrushes over manual brushes a few years ago. My patients and I are interested in effectiveness, safety, and efficiency when we brush our teeth. For that reason, I recommend the Philips Sonicare range. The Philips DiamondClean 9000 model is especially… Read More