Gum disease is an all-too-common oral health issue that can ultimately result in tooth loss if it’s allowed to progress too far. If you want to protect yourself from this threat to your smile, then it goes without saying that you should make a point of maintaining excellent oral hygiene. However, it’s also a good idea to adjust your diet to include more foods that promote healthy gums. Here is a closer look at 5 kinds of foods that can help fight gum disease or prevent it from happening in the first place.
1. Certain Kinds of Nuts and Seeds
Some nuts and seed (such as pistachios and sesame seeds) are very good sources of omega-3s as well as other nutrients. Omega-3s are notable for their anti-inflammatory properties; they are very effective for combatting inflammation of the gums, and they can even help prevent existing gum disease from growing worse.
2. Oily Fish
Certain kinds of oily, fatty fishes such as salmon and mackerel can go a long way toward improving your gum health. Like nuts and seeds, they contain high levels of omega-3s, making them an excellent choice for fighting inflammation. On top of that, the nutrients in these fishes can strengthen your immune system, thus improving the body’s ability to fight off gum disease as well as other kinds of infections.
3. Dairy Products
Did you know that calcium deficiency could put you at a higher risk for gum disease? Calcium is an essential nutrient for maintaining a healthy smile overall; to make sure you’re getting enough of it, you should adjust your diet to include more dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
4. Grass-Fed Beef
Grass-fed beef can benefit your gum health in a couple of different ways. Not only does it contain inflammation-fighting omega-3s, but it is also high in collagen. One of the benefits of collagen is that it helps the gums remain firmly attached to the teeth; as a result, it offers protection against the gum recession that often occurs as a consequence of advanced gum disease.
5. Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables are often seen as nature’s toothbrushes; chewing on them can help scrub plaque off your teeth and gums. On top of that, they encourage the mouth to produce more saliva, which can fight the bacteria that cause gum disease. In short, chewing on an apple, a carrot, or another type of crunchy fruit or vegetable can help you maintain a clean mouth, thereby lowering your risk for gum disease.
Your diet can make all the difference for your oral health. Make sure you’re eating the right kinds of foods so that you can keep gum disease at bay!
About the Author
Dr. Dan Greenwood went to The Ohio State University for his dental degree. He currently holds membership with the Greater Cleveland Dental Society as well as other professional organizations. He has been operating Greenwood Dental since 1998 and is proud to have been able to help so many patients in Sagamore Hills enjoy healthier, brighter smiles. If you have concerns about gum disease and want to explore your options for treatment, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenwood by visiting his website or calling (330) 467-2522.