Methods: the study has been based on a sample of 15 subjects, aged 24 to 60, living in Northern Italy. 11 men and 4 women who have followed a strict vegan diet for a minimum period of 1 year and 6 months and a maximum period of 20 years. In addition, a test sample of 15 subjects with the same characteristics of age, gender and home residence following an omnivorous diet has been chosen in parallel to the previous sample. A questionnaire about eating habits, meal frequency and the foods mainly consumed, as well as oral hygiene habits and oral-dental symptoms or, more generally, related to the oral cavity was distributed amongst the individuals. Subsequently, the sample underwent an objective examination measuring their saliva pH , searchimg for the enamel demineralisation, white spots and caries (KaVo DIAGNOdent), paying special attention to the localisation of site damages. Finally, an analysis of possible bone defects and periodontal pockets was carried out.
Results: the study suggests that vegan subjects present a higher incidence of demineralisation and white spots located on the tooth's cervix and on the vestibular surfaces of the teeth (except for the front lower group), as compared to those of the omnivorous subjects. The saliva pH, more acid than that obtained from omnivorous patients, ranged between 4 and 6.
Conclusion: relevant variations regarding the oral conditions of the two samples of subjects have been identified. In order to confirm the cause-effect relationship of vegan diet on the oral alterations, we will examine the sample for a longer period.