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The impact of a vegan diet on oral health and the role of the GDP

BDJ In Practice volume 33, pages 20–21 (2020)Cite this article

Veganism is the practice of refraining from the use of animal products, which has a huge impact on diet as meat and dairy items are no longer consumed. With 600,000 being the estimated number of vegans in the UK in 2019 and this number quadrupling since 2014, it is more likely than ever that our patients will be consuming a plant based diet.1 Additionally, although not following a strict vegan diet, many individuals are taking the decision to reduce their consumption of meat and dairy products due to ethical, environmental and health reasons.

' Concerningly, many vegan toothpastes currently on the market are branded as fluoride free. Following the DBOH guidance, fluoride containing toothpaste should be recommended by practitioners to all patients to reduce their risk of carious lesions.'

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References

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  8. Kim J, Kim M J, Kho H S. Oral manifestations in vitamin B12 deficiency patients with or without history of gastrectomy. BMC Oral Health 2016; 16: 60.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dhiman Dental, 169 Percy Road, TW2 6JS, Twickenham, UK

    Joelle Booth

  2. 2 Green Dental, Dartford, UK

    Julia Hurry

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  1. Joelle Booth
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  2. Julia Hurry
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Correspondence to Joelle Booth.

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Booth, J., Hurry, J. The impact of a vegan diet on oral health and the role of the GDP. BDJ In Pract 33, 20–21 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41404-020-0385-9

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