Recent studies suggest that about 50% of the American population has some gum disease. Fortunately, with early diagnosis, you have a high chance of treating and reversing any damage. Early gum disease signs are often overlooked since they are minimal, like sore and bleeding gums.
If not treated on time and correctly, plaque, bacteria, and tartar can build up under the gums, creating gum pockets. It causes the gums to recede, separate from the teeth, and expose the tooth’s roots.
Fortunately, good oral hygiene, a gum-friendly diet, and frequent dental assessments can help you maintain excellent gum health and detect gum disease early. This article explores perfect foods you can include and exclude in your diet to keep healthy and prevent receding gums.
Foods for Healthy Gums
- Omega-3 foods
Omega-3 foods are healthy and packed with numerous nutrients. For instance, they contain anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe painful gums and heal the damage from gum disease. Common sources of Omega-3s enriched foods include fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, sesame seeds, macadamia nuts, and pistachios.
- Dairy products
Research by the Journal of Periodontology showed that people who consume dairy products regularly had lower incidents of periodontal disease than those who didn’t. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium, re-mineralizing the enamel and strengthening the gums and teeth.
- Probiotics
Naturally, the mouth contains both harmful and good bacteria. The harmful bacteria are to blame for gum disease and tooth decay. Probiotics are rich in good bacteria and help the body fight against the harmful bacteria that causes gum disease and other oral infections. Excellent sources of probiotics include kefir, yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
- Green tea
Green tea is rich in catechin, which helps fight against gum disease. Green tea also contains antibacterial properties that weaken harmful bacteria and reduce plaque. It thus inhibits the effects of gum disease. A recent study showed that green tea users were less susceptible to gum disease.
- Leafy greens
Leafy vegetables such as spinach, arugula, kales, and broccoli have fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are great for healthy gums and teeth. Vitamin C helps reduce inflammation and helps fight against gum disease. It also soothes gum pain and prevents irritation.
Eating these foods also acts like a natural toothbrush that helps wash away plaque and debris from the mouth. These foods also stimulate saliva production, helping to wash away harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevent gum disease.
- Co-Enzyme Q10
Foods rich in CoQ10 or Ubiquinol are in most human cells as fat-soluble vitamins. It contains intercellular antioxidants, which help suppress gingivitis and advanced periodontal inflammation. Excellent sources of CoQ10 include
- Organ meats like liver, kidney, or heart
- Fatty fishes like trout, herring, and mackerel
- Muscle meats like pork, beef, and chicken
- Vitamins C
Vitamin C helps fight against bacterial infections and gingival bleeding in the gums. Vitamin C also strengthens the gums and other oral soft tissue by encouraging the production of collagen protein that forms part of the gums. Foods rich in vitamin C include peppers, strawberries, citrus fruits like oranges, potatoes, broccoli, blackcurrant, and brussels sprouts.
Foods to Avoid for Receding Gums
When you have receding gums, you should seek treatment and maintain excellent oral hygiene. Additionally, avoiding certain activities that can worsen the condition or symptoms is essential. Below are key foods to avoid to prevent or reduce the symptoms of gum recession:
- Acidic items
Acidic items like soda, apple cider vinegar, and limes can irritate the inflamed gums and contribute to more gum recession and irritation. Highly acidic things also erode the tooth’s enamel, exposing it to tooth decay. It’s best to avoid or limit acidic items.
- Sweets and other sugary items
Almost all sugary items are bad news for your teeth and gums. Sugary items promote the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, worsening gum recession or causing decay. Avoid donuts, candy, energy drinks, cake, and chocolate.
- Cold and hot items
Since gum recession exposes the tooth’s roots and nerves, extreme temperatures from ice cubes or popsicles can cause your gums to be more sensitive.
- Starches
Foods high in carbohydrates or starches also encourage the growth of harmful bacteria, worsening gum recession and increasing the possibility of gum disease and decay.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Do you need more tips on maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum recession? Contact Concord Dental Associates to book your appointment with our dentist in Concord, NH.
