7 Foods to Eat if You Have Gum Disease
Periodontitis is another term for gum disease. It is a gum infection that affects the soft tissue YP and can affect the bone that supports the teeth if left untreated. Hence, resulting in tooth loss. Healthy gums are firm, pale pink, and fit well around the teeth. But, when there is a practice of poor oral hygiene, it will lead to gum disease. Swollen and bleeding gums are some of the symptoms of gum disease. The one that will affect both dental health and overall well-being is painful chewing. This implies that the person should no longer eat foods, no matter the desire. There are three significant ways to alleviate the growth of gum disease tactically
- observation of proper dental hygiene
- following professional oral care, and
- eating diets that fight the disease
The focus of this article is to address the diet that will improve the health of your gum.
What to Eat for Gum Disease
Probiotics
“Bacteria” sounds harmful to the ears until you discover there are friendly ones. Probiotics are referred to as health-friendly bacteria. They are live microorganisms found in cultured milk and other fermented foods.
Scientists have proven that probiotics work in conjunction with bacteria in the mouth to improve one’s oral health.
Gingivitis, a common form of gum disease, tends to go through a reduction after you eat food that contains probiotics. Also, there is a significant receding of plaque accumulation and bleeding around the gum area.
Foods that are rich in probiotics are:
- kimchi: a fermented, spicy Korean dish
- tempeh: a fermented soybean product
- sauerkraut: nicely shredded cabbage fermented by lactic acid bacteria
- kefir: a fermented goat’s or cow’s milk, and yogurt
Nuts and Seeds with High Omega-3 Content
A study was published by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. It was about the effect of DHA consumption (Docosahexaenoic acid) on dental health. It was discovered that 20% out of 9,000 participants who consumed more DHA amounts are less likely to develop gum disease.
Omega-3 fats are polyunsaturated fats that have been proven to prevent stroke and heart disease. The presence of anti-inflammatory properties helps slow down the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Therefore, alleviating the inflammation in the gum area.
Omega-3 fat supplements are healthy and safe for you if you suffer from gum disease. But, if you’re suffering from bleeding, it is not safe as it has some side effects.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are:
- walnuts
- pistachio
- macadamia nuts
- sesame seed
- chia seeds, and
- flax seeds
Salmon and Other Fatty Fish
This is in relation to what was explained about omega-3s. The oil content of fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps the gum be healthy. The anti-inflammatory properties also enhance your immune system. Cod liver oil and caviar are supplements from fatty fish.
Apart from salmon, other fatty fishes that are rich in omega-3s are:
- mackerel
- herring
- sardines, and
- anchovies
Grass-fed Beef
A 2021 study published on NCBI revealed that vitamin C reduced bleeding from the gum in people with gingivitis. Hence, ingesting foods rich in vitamins C will improve your overall dental health and reduce gum bleeding.
A structural protein known as collagen is known to combat gum disease. Collagen is an essential that’s prepared from vitamin C. Vitamin C improves the gum and enhances collagen production in your mouth.
Grass-fed beef is rich in collagen, omega-3s, and antibiotics. This fact makes it a go-to option by health experts and nutritionists for cow feeds.
Cacao
Cacao is high in flavonoids due to the presence of catechins. Flavonoids have antioxidant qualities that reduce gingival oxidative stress in gum diseases. Oxidative stress inhibits gum disease.
Cacao is healthy for your gum by fighting plaque accumulation, cavities, and decay. Some dentists believe that cacao extracts are more effective than fluoride when combating tooth decay and cavities.
CBH is a white, crystalline compound (similar to caffeine) found in cacao. It can help harden your enamel and, consequently, prevent tooth decay. CBH will soon be added to toothpaste and mouthwash in the future to improve dental health.
A beneficial cacao diet to fight gum disease should have about 70 percent or more raw chocolate with low sugar.
Green Tea
Green tea prevents bone resorption, reduces inflammation, and inhibits the growth of the bacteria responsible for gum disease. Hence, people who are frequent takers of green tea are less likely to develop gum disease.
Green tea is rich in catechins, which are healthy for the gum. The polyphenols in green tea inhibit cellular adherence and virulence factors of periodontitis.
Red and Green Bell Peppers
Bell peppers have over twice as much vitamin C in them as most citrus fruits. Of the daily required amount of vitamin C, a cup of red pepper has over 300%. A cup of green pepper has over 200% of vitamin C.
To boost your chance of fighting gum disease, add more bell peppers to your diet. This will increase the power of vitamin C’s role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I Likely To Suffer From Gum Disease?
According to the Journal of Dental Research, about half of American adults have a form of gum disease. However, the disease grows slowly in most people.
You’re probably likely to suffer from gum disease. But with the right diet and frequent consultation, you’re likely to keep your teeth for decades.
Can Exercise Help To Prevent Gum Disease?
It was observed that people who strive to stay fit and healthy are 40% less likely to develop gum diseases.
So, maintaining oral hygiene and proper dental health is only tied to what you eat. Frequent exercise and normal body weight can improve your dental health.
Conclusion
While these are tested and proven facts, it is key to note that you should consult your dentist before taking any action. These foods should not substitute the place of professional care.
Seeing your dentist, at least, twice a year should go a long way in maintaining balanced dental health.
