Vegetarians have healthier gums than meat eaters and are therefore less likely to suffer from bleeding gums and tooth loss, according to a study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (May 29, 2013).
However, vegetarians suffer from more tooth decay and are less likely to visit their dentist, despite knowing the benefits of doing so and having a higher education, according to the study authors, from Hannover Medical School.
The researchers evenly split 200 participants into two groups, vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Those with periodontal risk factors -- including age, smoking, and gender -- were equally distributed between the two. They found that the vegetarians had significantly lower probing pocket depths, less bleeding on probing, a better hygiene index, fewer missing teeth, and less mobile teeth.
While the vegetarian group had better periodontal health, less inflammation, and took better care of their teeth at home, the researchers emphasized that vegetarians are generally more health-conscious.
