Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems out there. It’s estimated that around 50% of adults deal with the condition, which can range from mild to severe. It doesn’t help that the condition is also fairly complex, meaning that many people don’t fully understand everything they can do to keep this bacterial infection at bay.
While dental hygiene is obviously critically important, there are also some important ways in which your diet can impact your propensity for gum disease. Here are some foods that might help you keep this condition at bay.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Obviously, fruits and vegetables are vitally important to a nutritious diet. These foods are packed with vitamins and minerals, many of which can support the immune functions of the body. This on its own makes them an excellent way to stave off gum disease.
Moreover, crunchy fruits and vegetables often manage to scrape plaque off the teeth as you eat them. This means that there’s also a physical mechanism by which these foods can mitigate gum disease.
Tea
Tea is often lauded for its health benefits; it’s rich in antioxidants, which is believed to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. As it turns out, it can also be a boon to your oral health. Tea is rich in compounds called polyphenols that, among other things, stymie the development of bacteria in the mouth.
However, it’s important to note that many kinds of tea also contain pigments that can discolor the smile. While not necessarily a health concern, this is something most people would like to avoid. It may therefore be a good idea to drink your tea through a straw to minimize its contact with your enamel.
Water
Staying hydrated is obviously vitally important, and this extends to oral health as well as overall wellness. Drinking enough water washes away food particles that are left over in the mouth, preventing the development of bacteria that feed on them. It also stimulates the production of saliva, which also serves to break down food particles.
Both of these factors mean that staying hydrated is critical to your oral health.
About Our Practice
At Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists in Colorado Springs, we believe that excellent dentistry requires a comprehensive approach. Not only will we need to address a patient’s health problems as they arise, we also make sure that they’re equipped with the knowledge necessary to ensure excellent oral health overall. That’s why we take the time to get to know our patients as individuals, understanding their needs and how we can best assist them in their oral health journey.
If you have any questions about gum disease, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (719) 574-4867.