The foods and drinks that you consume play a major role in the look and feel of your smile. This proves especially true when it comes to gum health. Gum disease, an infection of the gum tissue, affects more than half of American adults. But it may leave you with severe and irreversible damage to your gums which could result in tooth loss.
Protect your gums by including foods that preserve them in your diet. Read on to learn about five food items that can enhance your periodontal health.
Which Foods Can Improve My Gum Health?
Apples
You might have heard that an apple a day keeps a doctor away. But eating apples will make your dentist happy too. Apples can be a healthy alternative if you crave something sweet because they do not contain added sugar.
Sugar notoriously eats away at tooth enamel, increasing your risk of cavities and other dangers to your teeth and gums. But the hard outer texture of the apple skin can also clear away excess plaque as you chew it. This will boost your oral hygiene and help you reduce your risk of gum disease.
Nuts
Nuts are another healthy snack option that can help you keep your gums healthy. Like apples, this crunchy food will clean your teeth while you chew them, fighting plaque and tartar build-up between your teeth-brushing regimens. Make sure you choose nuts that do not contain sugary coatings so that you can preserve your dental structure.
Yogurt
Dairy products like yogurt contain high amounts of calcium, a mineral that strengthens your teeth and better resists dental problems. But yogurt also has probiotics, which work to balance natural bacteria throughout the body, including in your mouth.
This can lower your risk of contracting oral infections including gum disease, therefore improving your gum health. Gum disease requires intervention from a dentist to treat, so dentists promote preventative measures like dietary upgrades to protect your gums.
Salmon
Salmon and other types of oily fish are good sources of omega-3s, a fat that improves cardiovascular health. Medical experts also suggest that they have anti-inflammatory benefits, which means they can reduce symptoms in gums irritated by gum disease, like swelling and bleeding. It could then also keep oral infections at bay. Ask your dentist about more advantages this food can provide for your smile.
Water
Some people may argue that water does not count as a food, but its benefits for gum health are proven. Dehydration can lead to dry mouth, an oral condition that allows bacteria to spread with greater ease across your teeth, heightening your risk for infections.
When you stay hydrated, you can reduce your chances of contracting gum disease by fighting dry mouth. Drinking water will also rinse your mouth of harmful residues, enhancing oral hygiene and further protecting your gums. Make sure you follow your dentist’s advice and drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.