Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning at your dentist’s office are critical steps for preventing gum disease, but oral hygiene is only half the battle. Just like your teeth, your gums are vulnerable to bacterial infection and other problems caused by a sugary diet with inadequate nutrients. Learn below how what you eat can affect the health of your gums.

The Link Between Diet & Gum Disease

What Is Gum Disease?

The inside of your mouth is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause inflammation and loose teeth. Smoking, hormonal changes, and some medications can make you more susceptible to chronic bacteria infections, some of which might be incurable. A proper diet ensures that your body has the resources to fight off these infections and makes your mouth a less hospitable environment for bacteria.

How Your Diet Supports Healthy Gums

An apple a day may not keep the doctor away, but it can make your dentist’s visits more pleasant. Crunchy foods like apples are natural teeth cleaners that scrub away tartar before it turns into plaque, which can be impossible to remove. With antimicrobial properties that can keep infections from forming in the first place, onions and shiitake mushrooms are also great choices for preventing gum disease. Milk, cheese, and other dairy foods contain casein, a protein that neutralizes bacterial acids, which eat away at your teeth and gums. Finally, add more leafy greens and citrus fruits to your diet to increase your intake of vitamin C, which reduces inflammation and promotes red blood cell production.
 

For more than 15 years, Bradley M. Stewart DMD has provided Olive Branch, MS, with a comprehensive range of dental services, from routine cleanings to gum disease treatments. They know how stressful a dental visit can be, so they strive to create a fun, relaxed environment for all their patients. Follow their Facebook for more oral care tips and advice, and call (662) 893-5800 or visit their website to schedule your first appointment.