Attention Vegetarians

Health cocerns about fat and cholesterol have prompted many people to become vergetarians , and the nutritional deficiencies that can sometimes result may reveal themselves during dental exams.Most adult vegetarians are very knowledgeable about nutrition , they maintain their diets in a proper fashion . Children , however, need a well-balanced and nutritionally complete diet for proper growth , and the potential for deficiencies is greatest among children and teenagers who put themselves on vegetarian diets without knowing enough about their nutritional needs.Although vegetarian diets vary , some vegetarians , particularly those who do not consume any food of animal origin , can experience deficiencies in calcium , vitamin D , riboflavin , vitasmin B12 or complete proteins . Studies show that by eating the right amount of fruits , vegetables , grains and legumes , they can get the nutrients they need . An adult on a vegetarian diet for prolonged periods can be at increased rik for periodontal (gum) disease from lack of vitamin D and calcium . Teeth may soften when there is a shortage of vitamin D , cecoming more susceptible to decay and periodontal disease . Vitamin D is produced in the body with sun exposure , so deficiencies are rare , but it can develop in those who do not consume milk or fish . Adding vegetable margarines or soy milk to the diet may solve the problem . Diet is an important part of an individual's medical histroy , and patients should alway inform their dentist if they adhere to vegetarian or other special diets .