Gum disease is a stubborn enemy, but it is also one that can easily be avoided. While many will tell you that proper hygiene and regular dental visits are your main lines of defense against it, it’s just as important to make the right food decisions. By keeping your diet rich in the nutrients that make your gums strong and happy, you equip them with the fuel they need to stay ahead of gingivitis and periodontitis. Here are a few foods that can help improve the health of your gums whether disease has already invaded them, or you just want to be ready in case it tries.
Plenty of Plant Matter
Fresh fruits and vegetables can be a sweet, snappy, crisp, and crunchy way to keep your teeth clean and healthy. While they are full of the vitamins and minerals your gums need to thrive, the fibrous texture of some fruits and vegetables can also scrub away plaque from the teeth during the chewing process while stimulating blood flow in the gum tissue. This nutrition, cleaning, and stimulation make fruits and vegetables an effective triple threat against gum disease. Similarly, nuts and seeds are low-sugar, high-fiber proteins rich in calcium and other minerals that can boost the health of teeth and gums.
Probiotics are Enemies of Plaque
Probiotics are like reinforcements for the loyal armies of good bacteria in your mouth that help reduce inflammation and the accumulation of plaque. They can be easily found at the grocery store in supplements and fermented foods such as kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, and yogurt. These can give your mouth the power it needs to keep gum disease at bay.
Omega-3s? Yes Please!
Omega-3s are oils that can boost the immune system with their anti-inflammatory properties. If you enjoy a nice steak once in a while, you’ll be pleased to know that grass-fed beef can supply your body with some of the nutrition it needs to crush the threat of gum disease. Grass-fed beef contains omega-3s and collagen, another anti-inflammatory powerhouse. Oily fishes like herring, mackerel, and salmon are also rich in nutrients and omega-3s. You can also get these oils from nuts and seeds like sesame seeds, pistachios, and macadamia nuts.
While the threat of gum disease is ever-present, you can keep it away for a lifetime. Practicing good oral hygiene, attending regular dental exams and cleanings, and eating healthy can make sure that the body has the tools it needs to keep your gums strong and infection-free for years to come.
About the Practice
Elmbrook Family Dental is dedicated to helping patients achieve a lifetime with a beautiful smile in Brookfield, WI. Led by a team of seven dentists, the staff provides top-quality dental care in a relaxed and professional environment. Areas of expertise include preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to periodontal treatments. For more information on keeping your gums healthy, contact the office online.