Are you doing your best to keep your smile as healthy as possible? Do you regularly clean your teeth and gums and see your dentist every six months? If so, that is great. But did you know you could be doing more? Your diet can make a positive or negative difference when it comes to the well-being of your smile, so which foods help fight gum disease? Read on to learn what you should be eating so that your soft oral tissues remain healthy year after year.
How Can Your Diet Affect Your Smile?
Everyone knows the dangers of eating too much sugar. Dentists have been sounding the alarm on this for decades, telling children, especially, that too much sugar will “rot your teeth.” While this isn’t technically untrue, the reality is that consuming too much of it as well as starches can cause harmful bacteria and acids to form and break down tooth enamel.
Choosing nutrient-rich, healthy foods is essential if you want to keep your smile looking and feeling its best. You may not realize it, but paying close attention to what you consume can have a positive effect on your teeth and gums.
Which Foods Are Great for Combatting Gum Disease?
There are certain food items available that are great for keeping tooth enamel healthy and strong, but did you know there are those that minimize your risk of gum disease as well? Some of these include:
- Fruits and vegetables – They are full of fiber and help to reduce plaque accumulation because they act as tiny toothbrushes.
- Water – Staying hydrated not only benefits the body but also your mouth, as it keeps saliva production working at an optimal level, thus neutralizing acids and reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
- Green tea – As long as you don’t put sugar in it, tea can help reduce inflammation that commonly occurs with gum disease.
- Whole grains – Because of their makeup, these foods help to promote gum health, lowering the potential risk of gum disease and the need for periodontal therapy.
- Salmon – Known to contain valuable nutrients and omega-3s, salmon and other fatty fish help to reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.
Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to take control of your overall health and well-being. In doing so, you’ll not only see your waistband shrink, but your smile will continue looking its best throughout the year.
About the Author
Dr. Christel Cochell treats patients of all ages, providing a wide variety of services, and ensuring you and your family receive the care you need all in one place! If you’re worrying about the potential for gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact us at (971) 273-5910. We’re here to go over helpful tips and tricks to minimize your risk as well as provide essential treatment options should you need gum disease therapy.