5 Foods That Improve Gum Health

Your diet plays a major role in your oral health, including the well-being of your gums. You can make a lasting impact on your smile by choosing foods that can reduce your risk for certain dental problems, including oral infections like gum disease. While common, gum disease is a leading cause of severe and irreversible dental damage like tooth loss.

You will require dental intervention if you contract gum disease, so dentists emphasize preventative measures to protect your gum health. To preserve your smile as well as possible, pay attention to the foods you consume. Read on to discover five foods that will help you keep your gums healthy.

diet and gum health

Apples

Famously, an apple a day will keep the doctor away. But your dentist will be happy if you eat apples, too. They make a great snack if you crave something sweet but want to steer clear of sugar that might hurt your teeth.

Also, hard-textured fruits can clean your teeth as you bite into them. They can scrape away plaque build-up as you chew, which will eliminate excess oral bacteria that may otherwise put you at risk of gum disease.  

Nuts

Crunchy snacks like nuts will also boost your oral hygiene while eating them too. They clear away plaque from your teeth to reduce your risk of periodontal disease and other dental dangers between your teeth-brushing regimens. Make sure you choose nuts that do not contain added sugar so that you can avoid damage to your tooth enamel.

Yogurt

Dentists encourage their patients to consume dairy products like yogurt because the calcium in these foods can strengthen teeth. Yogurt also contains probiotics that work to balance bacteria throughout your body, including your mouth. Less bacterial build-up in your mouth will lower your risk of oral infections, including gum disease.

Salmon

Salmon and other oily fish contain omega-3s, which are essential fats thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. That means they could reduce swelling, bleeding, and other irritations associated with gum disease.

This can help with complications related to your body’s overall inflammatory response as well. Inflammation from gum disease can exacerbate arthritis and other health conditions, so you should not ignore concerns with your gum health. You will need periodontal therapy from your dentist to get rid of gum disease for good, though.

Water

Some people might argue that water does not count as food. But staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will help you improve your gum health. Dehydration can make you produce less saliva, which will lead to dry mouth, a condition that feels unpleasant while also allowing bacteria to more easily spread through the mouth.

This can put your gums at a higher risk of infection, so you should drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day to maintain adequate hydration. Drinking water can also rinse your mouth of potential contributors of plaque development, further protecting your gums from infection.