4 Foods That Enhance Periodontal Health
You might have heard the phrase, “you are what you eat.” This implies that your diet will highly influence your overall well-being, and this proves true for the health of your gums as well.
Though you brush your teeth and floss regularly, you can better fight gum disease and irreversible damage to your smile if you include foods in your diet that promote good gum health too. Consult with your dentist to find preventative dental advice, including nutrition tips, that suit your unique smile. You can also read on to find four food items that your dentist will recommend that you eat in order to promote healthy gums.
Apples
Apples famously keep your doctor away, but consuming these fruits can make your dentist happy too. The hard outer texture of an apple can help to get rid of excess plaque on your teeth when you bite into it. This can boost your oral hygiene in between your usual teeth-brushing regimens.
This will help to prevent the spread of the natural bacteria in your mouth which might otherwise infect your gums, leaving you with gum disease. You will need a dentist to eradicate this infection, so ideally, you should avoid it with preventative measures like upgrading your diet.
Yogurt
Dentists recommend eating dairy products like yogurt because the high calcium content can strengthen your teeth. But yogurt in particular also contains probiotics, which can balance bacteria throughout your body. With less excess bacteria in your mouth, you can see a reduced risk of gum disease and other oral infections.
Salmon
Salmon and other types of oily fish feature omega-3s, a fat known to improve cardiovascular health. Studies suggest they come with anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help to reduce swelling, soreness, and other uncomfortable symptoms related to gum disease.
You can find relief by eating salmon, but you should also talk to your dentist about any abnormalities you notice in your gums. Only a dentist can get rid of gum disease in your smile for good.
Water
Some people might argue that water does not count as a food item. But there is no dismissing the benefits it can have for your oral health, including your gums. Drinking plenty of water will ensure you stay hydrated, which will help you avoid conditions like dry mouth.
A dry oral environment allows bacteria to spread with greater ease, which puts you in danger of gum disease. Avoid contracting this infection by stopping risk factors like dry mouth and maintaining adequate hydration levels.
You can achieve this by drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day. You might need to drink more than this if you consume caffeine or other dehydrating agents.
An extra benefit from water consumption is the boost in oral hygiene that comes when you drink it. It rinses lingering residues from your teeth. This, in turn, reduces plaque formation and keeps your smile, especially your gums, clean and healthy.