Are you familiar with the phrase “you are what you eat”? This implies that the foods you consume play a major role in your overall well-being. And this proves true for your gums as well.
Certain foods will help you keep your gums healthy and free from infections and other oral health concerns. So pay attention to your diet and how it can impact your smile.
Your dentist can keep your smile looking and feeling its best with preventative dental care. But they can also offer advice regarding your diet and how it influences your gums. You may also read on to discover four food items you should include in your diet to promote healthy gums.
Apples
An apple a day famously keeps the doctor away. But eating an apple will keep your dentist pleased too. Apples make for a good snack because the fruits do not contain added sugars that could otherwise hurt your teeth.
But also, apples feature a hard outer layer that can clean your teeth as you chew and bite into them. The fibrous skin will scrape excess plaque from your teeth, which can boost your oral hygiene in between your teeth-brushing regimens.
This will stop the spread of your mouth’s natural bacteria. And this means that you can see a reduction in your chances of bacteria reaching your gums and infecting them.
Gum disease will require a dentist’s help to get rid of the infection, so you should seek preventative measures like your diet to avoid contracting it. Do not ignore your gum health because gum disease can leave you with irreversible dental problems, including tooth loss.
Yogurt
Dairy products like yogurt are known to be good for your dental health due to their high amounts of calcium that can strengthen your teeth. But yogurt in particular can also ensure your gums stay healthy.
Yogurt contains probiotics that work to balance bacteria throughout your body, including in your mouth. This can stop bacterial spread that might otherwise reach and infect your gums. So consider adding yogurt to your diet to help get rid of excess oral bacteria.
Salmon
Salmon and other oily fish make for a good source of omega-3s. These refer to a type of essential fat that studies suggest features anti-inflammatory properties. That means you can lower harmful inflammation throughout your body when you consume them.
If you have inflamed gums due to gum disease, this can relieve uncomfortable symptoms like soreness and swelling in the gum tissue. However, you will still need to contact your dentist to treat and get rid of this infection properly.
Water
You might argue that water does not quite qualify as a food. But drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated which will undoubtedly promote healthy gums. Drinking water can rinse harmful residues from your teeth and prevent dry mouth.
This will reduce the spread of oral bacteria, keeping gum disease at bay. So drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day to maintain adequate levels of hydration and protect your gum health.