It’s common knowledge that what you snack on has a big impact on your teeth. However, your everyday diet influences another important part of your mouth as well: the health of your gums! Alongside cavities, the sugars in the foods you eat also fuel oral infections like gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and larger health issues. Thankfully, there are foods you can eat that can easily and naturally keep your gum tissue healthy and strong. Here’s what your dentist recommends snacking on for better gum health!
Oranges, Spinach, and Cantaloupe
Your mouth is naturally full of bacteria. While good dental hygiene is usually enough to keep these bacteria in check, a bacterial infection known as gum disease could form if your immune system is weakened or your gums are unhealthy. Eventually, this common condition could lead to health issues like heart disease and memory loss.
Thankfully, vitamin C is well-known for helping fight off infections throughout the body, including the mouth. Eating foods like oranges, spinach, cantaloupe, broccoli, and other excellent sources of this important nutrient boosts your immune system and strengthens your gum tissue against infection.
Carrots, Broccoli, and Cucumbers
Raw veggies are found on most lists that name the healthiest foods, and for good reason! They’re packed with a garden variety of nutrients that are used nearly everywhere in your body. Crunchy raw vegetables like carrots, celery, broccoli, bell peppers, and cucumbers support your gum health with calcium, vitamin c, and other vitamins without as much sugar as some healthy fruits.
Additionally, these high-fiber vegetables contain a lot of water and require more chewing. This gently scrubs your teeth and washes away any accumulating plaque and bacteria on your teeth and gums. Not only does this lower your risk of cavities, but it also helps to prevent gum disease.
Cheese, Eggs, and Nuts
Low-fat dairy products are a popular snack choice when it comes to keeping your bones and teeth strong, but did you know they can help your gums as well? Certain foods like cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese contain a unique protein called casein, which can neutralize the harmful acids created by oral bacteria. These acids could otherwise irritate and damage your gum tissue.
Recent research is finding that calcium-rich foods can help prevent gum disease, especially when paired with items that contain phosphorus. These two important minerals compliment one another and maximize their health benefits. Non-dairy sources of calcium include tofu, canned salmon, leafy greens, cabbage, and okra, while phosphorus can be found in lean meats, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds.
Healthier gums may be as close as your kitchen! Try substituting sugary snacks with these healthy ones to promote your gum health and protect your smile.
About the Practice
Our highly trained team of dentists at Cambria Smiles in Cambria, CA are committed to keeping your whole mouth healthy and your smile beautiful for years to come. That’s why every routine dental checkup includes a thorough inspection of your gum tissue. This allows us to spot and stop any signs of gum disease as early as possible or recommend a specialized gum disease treatment to get your oral health back on track. If you’d like more tips for keeping your gums happy and healthy, feel free to contact us via our website or at (805) 927-4811.