One of the most prevalent conditions facing Americans is gum disease, as over 85% of the adult population has some form of it. While there are several ways to treat the condition, prevention is always the best route to take. Your dentist says one way to protect your gums is to be mindful of what you eat. Read on to learn about the types of foods that support gum health!
Why Food Matters
It’s important to monitor the foods you consume because you’re likely to eat frequently throughout the day. With each meal, your teeth can either be bombarded with items that support your oral health or hinder it.
Let’s look at some of the foods that can serve as allies.
Onions
They get a “bad rap” because of the odor they produce, but onions are great for neutralizing bacteria. This familiar vegetable is designed by nature to identify some of the more harmful bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay, and by attaching to them, it helps protect you.
Dairy Products
The greatest benefit of consuming dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt is that they contain calcium, which is a mineral that strengthens your bone. There is another benefit of eating and drinking dairy products, though – they are full of casein.
This is a protein that plays an integral role in strengthening and regenerating tissue, which is critical for your gum health. The casein also helps to stalemate oral acids that could otherwise cause decay.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Plaque is a sticky, clear substance that consists of hundreds of different types of bacteria. Eating shiitake mushrooms has been found to provide some antibacterial benefits.
That’s because these mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which especially addresses the harder-to-reach plaque that can accumulate along the gum line and contribute to gum disease.
Green, Leafy Vegetables
When you eat green, leafy vegetables, you are bathing your mouth with vitamin C, which has tons of antibacterial properties. Additionally, these types of food require more chewing, which means greater saliva production and the neutralization of acids.
Celery, Carrots and Apples
There is a common denominator with the above-listed items – they are all crunchy. The harder bits of food serve as excellent supplements to your oral hygiene by helping to remove debris that hide between your teeth.
Like green, leafy vegetables, this food group requires more chewing, which then generates saliva to bathe your teeth and protect against caustic acids.
Along with making these diet adjustments, be sure to practice proper oral hygiene, which should include brushing and flossing at least two times a day. Then, to fortify your gum health even more, it’s a great idea to visit your local dentist semi-annually for cleanings and checkups.
By following this blueprint, you’ll have beautiful teeth and healthy gums well into the future!
About the Author
Dr. Karl Arakelian is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He followed that with a general practice residency at Tufts-New England Medical Center. Dedicated to learning, Dr. Arakelian has taken thousands of hours of advanced education, which allows him to provide the best in dental care at his private practice. He can be reached for more information through his website.
