Gum disease might seem like a minor nuisance at first, but it will eventually become a serious threat to your oral and overall health if you do not address it. While excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical for preventing and treating gum disease, you may not be aware of how your dietary decisions can help your body fight oral infections. Here are a few food options that can help you resist gum disease.
Get Plenty of Protein
Proteins are the building blocks of your body’s tissues, so you’ll need to get plenty of them to ensure that you can heal properly after a destructive oral infection. It’s best to choose items that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as these have anti-inflammatory properties that can help the body resist harmful oral bacteria. A few excellent sources of protein for fighting gum disease include:
- Grass-fed beef
- Nuts and seeds
- Salmon, herring, mackerel, and other fatty fish
Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Raw, snappy fruits and veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, and apples are tough enough to scrape plaque and food debris away from your teeth and gums while being soft enough to be harmless to your enamel. These foods are also rich in the vitamins and minerals your body needs to heal properly, and they can also help the jawbone rebuild itself after damage caused by an oral infection like gum disease.
Sugar-free Gum
The American Dental Association recommends chewing sugar-free gum for a half-hour after meals to stimulate saliva production and help the mouth flush itself clean of sugary residues and food debris. This can help reduce the damage caused by gum disease by eliminating the material that harmful oral bacteria depend on for fuel, which can help slow their growth and prevent irritation of the soft oral tissues.
If you have gum disease, it’s best to stay away from foods that are high in sugar, starch, acid, or processed fat, as these can irritate your gum tissue or feed the bacteria that cause oral infections. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to restore the health of your gums.
About the Practice
Alpharetta Modern Dentistry offers the finest oral healthcare in town. Led by Drs. Labastida and Kakadia, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and genuine compassion. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as gum disease treatments. To learn more about how you can fight gum disease, contact the office online or dial (470) 282-5157.