Advanced-stage gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can often be managed but not fully cured. That means preventing it is essential to maintaining a happy, healthy smile. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can help avoid problems and protect your gums.
For instance, brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to periodontal disease and tooth decay. But you can also support your connective tissues by incorporating more gum-friendly foods into your diet. Continue reading to learn about 3 popular options that can help fight gum disease!
Option #1: Citrus Fruits
One simple but effective way to preserve your smile is to increase your vitamin C intake. This ingredient is essential for your body to build and maintain collagen, a structural protein that is the primary building block of your connective tissues. Unfortunately, if you become vitamin C deficient, you could develop scurvy, which causes swollen, spongy, or bleeding gums.
However, the body doesn’t produce vitamin C on its own, so you must consume it through your diet. Different citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, can help raise your levels, as can other popular fruits and veggies, such as bell peppers, strawberries, and kiwifruits.
Option #2: Yogurt
Periodontal disease occurs when unhealthy germs in your mouth overpower helpful bacteria, form plaque along your gumline, and penetrate your tissues. This triggers inflammation and infection that usually starts small, but often progresses because it doesn’t always have noticeable symptoms.
One way to help manage your bacteria levels is by eating 6 ounces of plain, sugar-free yogurt every day. Different types of yogurt, such as Greek yogurt, contain live cultures of healthy bacteria that prevent disease-inducing microbes from thriving. Studies have revealed that eating at least 6 servings each week can help reduce the risk of gum disease.
Option #3: Cacao
Would you be surprised to learn that the same seeds that produce cocoa can also help protect your periodontal tissues? When the beans of the Theobroma cacoa tree are roasted at high temperatures, they produce a smooth, milder, sweet ingredient used to make chocolate. But when they’re fermented and cold-pressed or roasted at lower temperatures, they produce cacao, which has a bold, earthy, bitter flavor.
This ingredient also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce gum inflammation and help slow the breakdown of collagen fibers that keep tissues strong and healthy. Whether you enjoy nibbling the seeds or using cacao powder to add extra flavor to your smoothies, soups, or baked goods, incorporating more of this ingredient into your meals can help preserve your grin.
If you think you may have developed gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist to address your concerns and learn more about other ways to boost your dental health.
About the Practice
Patients at United Dental Centers of Hammond benefit from a team of dental experts who are committed to helping them build and maintain the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. With general dentists and a periodontist in the office, they can offer a complete menu of top-quality services, including gum disease treatment, to people of all ages. They provide customized treatment using advanced technology for more comfortable, reliable, and long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (219) 933-4900.