You probably already know that what you eat has a big impact on your teeth. After all, those sugary snacks and drinks encourage tooth decay and cause cavities to form. But did you know that your diet is important to the health of your gums as well? In fact, choosing the right foods to eat every day can reduce inflammation in your gums, keep oral bacteria levels in check, and help fight off gum disease. If you want to improve your gum health, try snacking on these dentist-approved smile-friendly foods!
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables end up on almost every healthy food list, and for good reason. They’re packed with a variety of important vitamins and nutrients that benefit the whole body as well as your oral health. Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale contain both vitamin C and calcium, which help soothe inflamed gums and battle the bacterial infection that causes gum disease. Calcium also works to support your jawbone and strengthen your teeth.
If you choose citrus fruits and berries that are high in vitamin C, like oranges, pineapples, and strawberries, remember that they also contain a lot of sugar. Even though it’s natural sugar, it will still hurt your teeth if you eat too much. Instead, try eating more crunchy raw vegetables with this important vitamin, like broccoli, peppers, and cauliflower, which also have a high water content and scrub your teeth as you chew them to help clear away plaque.
Protein and Dairy
Dairy products are a popular choice for keeping bone tissue healthy and strong, but did you know they can help your gums as well? Foods like cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese have an important protein called casein. This unique nutrient can help neutralize the acids that are produced by the bacteria in your mouth. Other proteins that are good for your gums include lean meats, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds. These all contain a variety of healthy minerals, including phosphorus. Phosphorus aids in the health of many different parts of your body and maximizes the effectiveness of calcium in your teeth and gums.
Water
Even though it’s not technically a food, drinking more water is an excellent way to boost your oral health as well as your general wellbeing. Sipping water throughout the day is a great way to continuously rinse off your teeth and clean away any lingering food particles or sugars, which lowers your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It’s also a much healthier alternative to popular beverages like sports drinks, coffees, teas, and sodas because these options are brimming with both sugars and acids. Water is even a better choice than regularly drinking fruit juice, since some juices contain just as much sugar as a can of soda. As an added bonus, most tap water contains fluoride, the same mineral that’s used in most toothpastes to fortify your teeth.
Keeping your teeth and gums in great shape can be as easy as making a few changes to your daily diet. Healthy eating, great oral hygiene, and regular dental checkups can get your oral health on track and set you up for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
About the Author
Dr. Karl Arakelian is proud to serve the families of Bradford, MA and the surrounding areas with the excellent and comfortable dentistry they deserve. However, he knows that great oral health starts at home with a good dental routine and practical, everyday oral hygiene. That’s why he takes the time during your biannual dental checkup to listen to your concerns, answer all your questions, and offer guidance on how to keep your smile happy and healthy every day. If you’d like to learn more practical tips for great at-home oral health care, feel free to contact him via his website or at (978) 373-0901.
