Expert warns of popular Veganuary health foods that may not be all good
- Written by Dr. Minoo Ghamari
As we look forward to a new year, many people will be preparing to start Veganuary next month and ditch animal-based products. Veganuary has seen huge increases in interest and participation over the past few years, with an estimated 25 million people worldwide taking part in Veganuary in 2024. 2025 shows no signs of slowing, as the tradition picks up momentum for those who are wanting to be more eco-conscious, health-focussed or simply reduce their reliance on meat-based products for personal reasons.
Whilst many vegan products are additionally beneficial in being good for us, some may not be as healthy as most think. Dentist Dr. Minoo Ghamari from Gorgeous Smiles has looked into some popular Veganuary food choices for 2025 and weighed in on the damage some products may have on teeth, adding suggestions to enjoy each sensibly. Take a look:
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Kombucha
“Kombucha is set to be a popular food in general for 2025 and is a top choice for Veganuary. According to research, the global kombucha market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15.6% from 2022 to 2030. Kombucha is a fermented tea known for its probiotic properties but it can also be bad for your teeth due to its high acidity and sugar content. The acidity can erode tooth enamel and the sugar content can feed harmful bacteria, leading to cavities. Regular dental hygiene can help, although it's best to consume kombucha in moderation to protect your teeth in the long-term.
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Nut butters
“While vegan nut butter is a nutritious and tasty dairy-free option, it can be bad for your teeth if not consumed carefully. Many nut butters contain added sugars that can promote tooth decay by feeding harmful bacteria in your mouth. Additionally, the sticky texture of nut butter can cling to teeth, making it difficult to clean and allowing sugars to remain in contact with enamel for extended periods. To minimise these risks, choose unsweetened varieties and ensure you maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
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Acai bowls
“Acai bowls do have their health benefits as delicious and nutritious meals for many, however, certain ingredients can pose risks to dental health. Some bowls can contain high levels of natural sugars from fruits and added sweeteners, which can promote tooth decay by feeding harmful bacteria in the mouth. The sticky texture of the blended acai and toppings can also cling to teeth, making it difficult to clean and allowing sugars to remain in contact with enamel for extended periods. To minimise these risks, it's important to enjoy acai bowls in moderation and maintain good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing regularly.”
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Oat, almond or soy milks
“While vegan milks such as soy, oat and almond are popular for their health benefits, they can have negative effects on dental health if they contain added sugars. These sugars can promote tooth decay by feeding harmful bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, some vegan milks are more acidic, which can contribute to enamel erosion. Choosing unsweetened varieties of vegan milk choices and maintaining good oral hygiene practices can help mitigate these risks and keep your teeth healthy.
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Agave nectar
“While agave nectar is a popular vegan alternative to honey due to its natural sweetness, it can be detrimental to dental health. Agave nectar is high in fructose, a type of sugar that can feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to tooth decay and cavities. Additionally, its texture allows it to stick to teeth, prolonging the exposure of sugars to tooth enamel. Over time, this can result in the erosion of enamel and an increased risk of developing cavities. To protect your teeth, it is advisable to consume agave nectar in moderation and maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly.
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Cashew cheese
Cashew cheese is becoming more popular, set to be in-demand amongst vegan and dairy-intolerant consumers for 2025. Whilst an alternative to dairy, Cashew cheese does often contain added sugars to enhance its flavour, which can promote tooth decay by feeding harmful bacteria in the mouth. This vegan cheese consists of a sticky texture which can attach to teeth, allowing sugars to remain in contact with enamel for extended periods. Prolonged exposure of the sticky cheese can lead to enamel erosion and cavities. To protect your teeth, it is advisable to enjoy cashew cheese in moderation and maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly.
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Chickpea snacks
“Though chickpeas are a powerhouse of nutrition, they can pose some risks to your dental health. The starches in chickpeas break down into sugars in your mouth, providing a feast for cavity-causing bacteria. Their tendency to cling to teeth can also encourage the growth of plaque, which further contributes to tooth decay. To keep your smile in top shape, enjoy chickpeas in moderation, rinse your mouth after eating and maintain a diligent oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing. This way, you can savour the health benefits of chickpeas without compromising your dental health.
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Vegan ice-cream
“Vegan ice cream, just like its dairy counterpart, can be bad for your teeth if it contains added sugars. Sugars in ice cream feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. The creamy texture of ice cream can cling to teeth, prolonging sugar exposure. To combat these adverse effects, it's best to enjoy vegan ice cream in moderation and maintain good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly. Opting for vegan ice creams with low or no added sugars can also help protect your dental health.”
https://www.gorgeoussmiles.
About Gorgeous Smiles:
Gorgeous Smiles is an established dental clinic conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling Central Business District. We are proud to have a team of talented dentists with many years of working in general, paediatric, and cosmetic dentistry. We focus on providing our clients with a comprehensive range of affordable dental services tailored to their individual needs at our clinic. We are committed to customer satisfaction and aim to be as flexible as possible to accommodate the needs of each and every person who walks through our doors.
About Dr. Minoo Ghamari:
DMD, MRACDS Degree
Dr. Minoo Ghamari has obtained a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Debrecen Hungary, and possesses extensive experience working in dental practices across three different continents. She has a keen interest in cosmetic dentistry and firmly believes that an individual's smile is one of their most valuable assets. Dr. Minoo provides exceptional dental care across all areas of dentistry, with a particular emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, where she displays exceptional expertise.
Sources:
[1] https://plantbasednews.org/
[2] https://www.grandviewresearch.
