Although many people assume that diet and oral health are separate issues, what you eat can have a dramatic impact on the condition of your smile. While regular teeth cleanings and dental checkups are essential, you should also watch what you eat to maintain a healthy mouth. Here is a brief guide to oral health and how your diet can affect it 

How Does Your Diet Impact Oral Health?

If oral bacteria collect on the surfaces of the teeth over time, it can contact the gum tissue and release toxins that irritate them. As a result, gum tissue can pull away from the surface of the teeth and become reddened, swollen, and tender to the touch. 

While starchy, sugary foods prompt plaque accumulation and gum irritation, other foods naturally scrub the surfaces of the teeth and keep the gums healthy and comfortable. By eating healthier foods, you can enjoy a smile that stays healthier, making future teeth cleanings even more productive. 

Which Foods Are Good for Gums?  

Munching on fibrous fruits and veggies like apples and celery gives you a natural teeth cleaning, while nutrient-rich foods like salmon and olive oil contain Omega-3 fatty acids that can lower your risk of developing periodontal disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to lower inflammation, which prevents the tissue from becoming swollen and painful. Drinking green tea also benefits gum health, since the antioxidant catechin helps reduce gingival pocket depths and gum bleeding. 

Whether you have questions about diet and oral health or are due for a teeth cleaning, contact Waterford Dental Health in New London County, CT. They focus on helping patients live a better life through careful preventative and restorative dental techniques. They offer everything from routine checkups to dental implant placement and full smile makeovers. To learn more about their approach to dental care, visit them online or call (860) 447-2235.