Vegetables are widely touted as the cornerstone of a healthy diet because they are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, and doctors also recommend consuming multiple servings of vegetables every day.
However, a study from the Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain has raised an unexpected point: a plant-based diet may cause permanent damage to teeth.
Researchers have found that tiny silica particles commonly found in plants, called phytoliths, may cause physical wear and tear on the outermost layer of teeth, the enamel.
Tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the human body, even harder than steel. It covers the inner structure of the tooth (dentin and pulp) and plays a protective role.
However, despite its hardness, the structure of enamel is brittle and easily damaged by acid, bacteria and mechanical forces.
In this study, scientists created artificial plant leaves containing phytoliths and rubbed them against human teeth to observe the results.
The results showed that these tiny sand-like particles do weaken tooth enamel, especially when the teeth are already damaged. At the same time, this friction may also lead to the loss of tooth minerals.
The study pointed out that this form of wear is not a fracture, but a permanent structural change called “quasi-plastic deformation”, which means that tiny slips and fractures occur between the enamel rods.
During the test, the phytoliths themselves also broke, showing that they have the ability to wear in both directions.
Enamel is mainly composed of calcium, phosphorus, water and protein, and is an important barrier for teeth to resist external damage. Once eroded, teeth are more prone to tooth decay, become more sensitive to hot and cold and sweet foods, and are more susceptible to staining.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, although small-scale tooth decay can be repaired, once the enamel is damaged, it cannot be regenerated or repaired naturally. Usually only a crown can be installed to prevent further damage.
Therefore, the key to protecting tooth enamel lies in daily care. Brushing and flossing every day, choosing fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrushes are the basis for maintaining dental health.
Avoiding frequent acidic drinks or using straws to reduce direct contact with teeth can further reduce the risk. Keeping the mouth moist and using a mouth guard when grinding teeth at night are also effective protective measures.
This study reminds people that even a seemingly harmless or even beneficial plant-based diet may bring unexpected challenges to oral health. Future dietary recommendations may need to consider the balance between nutrition and tooth protection more comprehensively.