Your Dentist Reveals the Top Foods to Improve Gum Health

It’s common, when thinking of oral care, to direct your attention to your teeth, but your gums are just as significant. That’s because they supply the blood and nutrients that are vital to sustaining the health of your teeth. Thus, your Rowley dentist wants you to know about some simple foods you can eat that will make a big impact on your soft tissues. Continue reading to learn what they are.

The Top Foods to Boost Gum Health

By including these foods in your diet, you’ll be providing protection to your gums:

• Onions – Although you may avoid them for fear of bad breath, onions actually help to neutralize acids in your mouth. They contain microbials that target the most common types of bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities.
• Green Tea – Containing antioxidant properties, green tea helps to prevent inflammation by guarding against some of the common bacteria that cause decay.
• Peppers and Citrus Fruits – Packed with a surplus of vitamin C, peppers and citrus fruits are also great antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Shiitake Mushrooms – Containing an antibacterial compound called lentinan, shiitake mushrooms fight against plaque-building bacteria in the mouth. This type of bacteria hides in hard-reach-places like between the teeth and along the gum line.
• Celery, Carrots and Apples – What do these foods have in common? They’re all semi-hard and crunchy. Thus, they help to remove food and plaque stuck on your teeth, preventing decay.
• Dairy Products – A very attractive trait of dairy products is that they contain calcium, a mineral that helps to fortify the enamel on your teeth and your bones. In addition, these products contain a slow-acting protein called casein that works to neutralize oral acids that are produced by bacteria.
• Leafy Greens – One of the great properties of leafy green vegetables is that they are packed with vitamin C, which has anti-bacterial qualities and encourages the production of red blood cells. The latter helps to control inflammation – one of the main traits of gum disease. In addition, leafy greens require more chewing to digest, which also has positive effects on your gums, because the increased action produces more saliva. The saliva then helps in removing food particles, bacteria and plaque that may be clinging to your teeth or along the gum line.

All of the above serve as great tools to help in the fight against gum disease. As you read on, you’ll learn about the dangers of this condition and the role your dentist plays in preventing it.

How Your Dentist Can Help to Fight Gum Disease

Gum disease is the result of bacteria accumulation that have worked their way under the gum line, causing infection and inflammation. This can lead to the destruction of the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place and can cause harm in other parts of your body.

Your dentist has two primary ways to help in the fight against gum (periodontal) disease:

• Preventive Care – Your semi-annual visits to your dentist for checkups and examinations play key roles in preventing gum disease and protecting your soft tissues. While there, any harmful plaque and tartar that have built up will be removed and your dentist will be able to identify any problems that may be developing so they can be addressed early.
• Periodontal Treatment – If you are already suffering from gum disease, your dentist has different treatments available to restore your gum health. The protocol used will be dependent on the severity of your condition.

As long as you take care of your gums, they will always provide a secure environment for your teeth to flourish in and remain strong and functional. So to be sure of the condition of your gums and oral health, reach out to your local dentist to schedule an initial consultation today!

About the Author

A graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. J. Peter St. Clair has been practicing dentistry for over two decades. He also serves as a Faculty Club Member at Spear Education in Scottsdale Arizona, where he provides post-graduate training to other dental professionals. Dr. St. Clair offers comprehensive and multi-faceted care and can be reached for more information through his website.