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A common testament to the fallacy of the raw food diet is that it results in tooth decay.  I can’t tell you how many times I have been told, “Oh, you’re a raw foodist?  You know all the teeth will rot out of your head, right?”

But is it true?  Does eating raw really pose a problem to your pearly whites?

Not when you eat a *healthy* raw diet.  However, most raw foodists don’t exactly follow a low fat raw vegan diet.

As a result, many mainstream raw foodists do in fact experience tooth problems.

Here are the two main reasons why so many raw foodists struggle with tooth decay.

#1: Raw foodists eat too much dried foods

Because so many raw foodists eat a diet lacking in raw sweet fruits, they turn to dense, dehydrated foods to satisfy their caloric intake.  Ingredients like dried nuts and fruit are commonplace in the mainstream raw diet.

A huge problem with eating these foods so often is that all or most of the water has been removed.  This results in a dry and sticky consistency, just perfect for clinging to your teeth.

Unless you brush your teeth all day, you will constantly have bits of dried, sugary food on your teeth.  This creates a haven for bacteria, the result of which can be tooth decay.

Which brings me to my second point…

#2: Raw foodists lack a good dental care system

Many raw foodists believe that following a raw food diet means that you do not have to brush your teeth.  Monkeys and other primates do not brush their teeth so why should we?

No matter what kind of diet you eat, whether it’s SAD or low fat raw, you *must* brush your teeth.  You will still get food particles stuck in all the little crevasses and you will still get some plaque residue on your teeth regardless of what diet you consume.

If you don’t want to end up in an uncomfortable dentist chair with an empty wallet, it is imperative that you develop a good dental care system.

What is a good dental care system?

All you need to maintain clean, strong, healthy teeth is a soft toothbrush and some dental floss.

For the toothbrush, I recommend a battery-operated model.  I have found that the bristles used are exceptionally soft and the rotating head does an excellent job of cleaning your teeth.  Mine is rechargeable and cost about $30.

For the floss, I recommend any flavorless brand.  Just be gentle.  Flossing too hard can actually wear away your gums!

The method I use is very simple as well.  I brush my teeth twice a day, morning and night, for about 3 minutes each.  I usually floss only in the evening, if I think some food has decided to live between my teeth.

I do not recommend any toothpaste.  It is unnecessary as water works just fine.  Plus, most toothpastes contain harmful fluoride.  Even natural toothpastes contain useless and even toxic substances and can prevent re-mineralization of the tooth enamel from occurring.

Combine this simple routine with a healthy raw vegan diet and reap the rewards of healthy teeth!

For more information on the best raw vegan diet, be sure to visit Fit On Raw and subscribe to Swayze’s newsletter Peachy Keen Ezine. By subscribing, you will also receive the free report The 4 Principles of a Healthy Raw Diet as well as the 5-week mini-course The Fool Proof Transition to Raw.