Optimize Your Gum Health By Eating These 5 Foods

Your gums are the strong and sturdy foundation that secures your teeth, protects your facial bones, and wards off oral health problems and harmful oral bacteria. If they’re not healthy, it could impact your overall wellbeing and result in serious issues like tooth loss. While visiting your dentist every six months is a great way to prevent issues from occurring, there are additional ways you can take care of your gums at home. Read on to learn how implementing these five foods into your diet can keep them healthy and strong.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula are all packed with vitamins and minerals that are great for your oral health. Vitamin C helps reduce inflammation, which is one of the first signs of gum disease. It also prevents irritation and helps brush away plaque and food debris because they’re fibrous. They encourage your mouth to produce more saliva, which helps rinse away lingering cavity-causing sugar and bacteria.

Green Tea

If you drink a lot of black tea that is rich in tannins and can stain your teeth, try substituting it for green tea. Not only is it rich in antioxidants, which helps fight off gum irritation and inflammation, but it can also protect your teeth from decay. In a study conducted in 2016, researchers found that this gum-healthy tea can reduce the presence of harmful oral bacteria in your mouth.

White Dairy Products

In addition to strengthening tooth enamel, white dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese also benefit your gums and jawbone. A protein called casein helps neutralize oral acids released by harmful oral bacteria that cause gum irritation, swelling, and inflammation. Not only can these acids erode your tooth enamel, but they can also lead to gum disease. A cup of milk a day paired with small dairy snacks can help ward off common oral health problems.

Crunchy Vegetables and Fruits

Vegetables and fruits that are fibrous and crunch act as a natural toothbrush. In the process of chewing them, they scrape away food particles and plaque that linger on your teeth. Instead of snacking on processed or sugary sweets, try chopping up some celery, carrots, or apples. Who would have thought that eating healthy snacks could help ward off cavities?

Onions

With onions, people either hate them or love them. If you ever needed a reason to love them, here it is: they’re amazing for your gum health! They neutralize acid released by harmful oral bacteria, allowing them to reduce your risk of developing cavities or gum disease. If you’re not particularly a fan of them, try adding them into a dish with more ingredients, like a stir-fry. That way, you can reap the oral health benefits without having to taste them.

By introducing these five foods into your meals, you can optimize the health of your teeth and gums and keep your mouth from being overrun with harmful oral bacteria. You’ll be glad you did when you visit your dentist for your next checkup and cleaning and find out your mouth is cavity-free!

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis strives to provide all of her patients with the highest quality of dental care. She also wants to give all of her patients the basic tools and knowledge they need to take care of their teeth and gums at home. With a focus of providing everyone that walks through her doors with great preventive care, she aims to save her patients the hassle, money, and discomfort from severe oral health issues. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, visit Wethersfield Dental Group’s website or call 860-400-3007.