Research in Health and Medical Sciences
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Volume 4, Issue 4 (10-2025)
JRHMS 2025, 4(4): 52-60 |
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Alizadeh P, Jafari F. Impact of vegetarian, vegan, and omnivorous dietary patterns on oral and periodontal health: A narrative review. JRHMS 2025; 4 (4) :52-60
URL: http://jrhms.thums.ac.ir/article-1-177-en.html
URL: http://jrhms.thums.ac.ir/article-1-177-en.html
1- Faculty of Dentistry, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
2- Department of Education, South Khorasan Province, Birjand, Iran
2- Department of Education, South Khorasan Province, Birjand, Iran
Abstract: (4 Views)
Nutrition plays a fundamental role in maintaining general health, particularly the integrity of oral tissues. Given the increasing adoption of plant-based dietary patterns, this narrative review aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of vegetarian, vegan, and omnivorous diets on oral, dental, and periodontal health. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Elmnet, and Civilica to identify studies published up to March 2024. Human studies involving children or adults that evaluated the association between vegetarian, vegan, or omnivorous dietary patterns and oral health outcomes, published in English or Persian, were included. The included studies were narratively reviewed and qualitatively synthesized. Of the retrieved studies, 10 met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that vegetarian diets may influence oral microbiome composition and salivary characteristics, while potentially increasing the risk of dental erosion. Although some studies have reported a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases among individuals following omnivorous diets, these associations should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity and inconsistency of the available evidence. Furthermore, potential nutritional limitations of vegetarian diets, including inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, should be considered as they may affect oral tissue health. Overall, dietary patterns appear to have an important impact on oral and dental health. Ensuring adequate and balanced nutrient intake, regardless of dietary pattern, and increasing awareness of the oral health implications of different diets may contribute to the maintenance of oral and periodontal health.
Keywords: Vegetarian Diet, Vegan Diet, Oral Health, Periodontal Diseases, Dental Caries, Tooth Erosion
Type of Study: Narrative Review |
Subject:
General
Received: 2026/07/3 | Accepted: 2026/07/15 | Published: 2026/08/15
Received: 2026/07/3 | Accepted: 2026/07/15 | Published: 2026/08/15
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