More than half of American adults contract gum disease in their lives. This infection of the gum tissue will inflame the gums. If left untreated, it will reach the tooth root and jawbone and lead to major damage to your smile, including irreversible harm like tooth loss.
Dentists emphasize preventative care when it comes to your gum health. One way to take care of your gums is to eat foods that can improve periodontal health. Read on to learn about five foods that can keep your gums looking and feeling their best.
Apples
Famously, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but this food can please your dentist too. Apples and other hard-textured fruits can boost your oral hygiene when you eat them.
This is because their crunchy exterior will scrape plaque from your smile when you bite into it. Removing plaque in a prompt manner will mean it is less likely to spread to the gums and allow bacteria to infect the tissue.
The fruit is also a healthy alternative to sugary treats if you crave something sweet. Sugar can erode tooth enamel and heighten your risk for cavities. Prevent dental issues like these by choosing snacks that will provide oral health benefits and not dangers.
Yogurt
Dentists recommend eating dairy products like yogurt because the high calcium content will strengthen tooth enamel and make your teeth more resistant to cavities and surface stains. But this food can also keep your gums healthy.
Yogurt contains probiotics, which will balance the number of bacteria in your body, including in your mouth. This will lower the risk of infections like gum disease and therefore preserve your gum tissue. It should also alleviate uncomfortable periodontal symptoms associated with this disease.
Salmon
Oily fish like salmon contain omega-3s, an essential fat thought to hold anti-inflammatory properties. If you suffer from an infection like gum disease that inflames the gums and impacts the body’s inflammatory response, this health benefit can bring great relief. Ask your dentist about the positive impact that this food can have on your periodontal health.
Nuts
Looking for a quick snack that can also help keep your gums healthy? The crunchiness of nuts can clean plaque from your smile, enhancing your oral hygiene and therefore preventing gum damage. You will also avoid hurting the structure of your teeth as you boost your gum health because they will not contain sugar.
Water
Some may argue that water does not count as a food, but it will improve the health of your gums all the same. Staying hydrated will keep your saliva production adequate, preventing an uncomfortable condition called dry mouth.
A dry environment in the mouth will allow bacteria to spread with ease across your teeth and heighten your chances of getting gum disease and other oral infections. Drinking plenty of water will avoid this risk and maintain the health of your gums and the rest of your mouth. Dentists recommend drinking eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day.