Best Foods For Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease is a fairly common occurrence in Americans but can be reversed if treated in a proper and timely manner. Gum disease occurs as a result of bacteria build-up beneath the gum. The buildup can ultimately lead to infection, worn gum tissue, bone loss, and in extreme cases, could cause your teeth to loosen and fall out.

Because gum disease can be heavily attributed to your lifestyle and habits, it’s crucial to implement healthy eating and proper oral hygiene into your daily routine. Through proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, and going in for regular checkups and cleanings with your periodontist, maintaining healthy gums should be easy!

However, if you begin to detect swollen, red or inflamed gums, you could be at risk for gum disease. One way to prevent, slow and even reverse the progression of gum disease is simply changing what you eat! 

Best Foods for Healthy Gums:

• Onions – Onions contain microbial properties that neutralize the most common types of bacteria, which cause plaque, cavities and gum disease
• Leafy greens – Leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, specifically vitamin c which increases production of red blood cells and decreases inflammation. Incorporate leafy greens as staple in your diet if you are looking to prevent or treat gum disease.  
• Green Tea – naturally rich in antioxidants, a cup of green tea a day can reduce inflammation in the mouth and body
• Celery, carrots, and apples – crunchy fruits and vegetables act like a natural plaque fighter, scraping away foods stuck to your teeth. They also cause you to create more saliva, which is one way your body naturally cleans out bacteria from the mouth.
• Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese – Foods that are high in calcium support bone health, which is necessary to strengthen the bones that are affected by gum disease
• Nuts and Seeds– Macadamia nuts, pistachios, cashews, walnuts, sesame seeds, and chia seeds are just a few types of nuts and seeds rich in Omega-3 oils. Such foods contain anti-inflammatory properties, serve as a wonderful source of nutrients, and stops the growth of periodontal causing bacteria
• Salmon – Another great source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon and other fatty fish like herring contain high percentages of the anti-inflammatory acids, helping to reduce gum swelling. In a study completed by the the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, found that those who had the most DHA (a type of omega-3) in their diet reduced their risk of periodontitis by 20%.
• Grass-fed Beef – Grass Fed Beef contains collagen, an essential factor in healing gum disease. Because gum disease causes collagen degradation as a result of irritated, worn and swollen gum tissue, eating foods high in collagen is necessary to combat gum disease.
• Shiitake Mushrooms – Lentinan is an anti-bacterial property specifically found in Shiitake mushrooms. The compound is known for fighting plaque causing bacteria, which can lead to gum disease. It also helps in reducing inflammation, a healing property necessary in treating gum disease,  
• Red and Green Bell peppers – Nature’s lesser known source for Vitamin C, bell peppers contain over 200% of the daily recommended Vitamin C. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, which can help repair the connective tissue affected by gum infections.  

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