Whether it runs in your family, you’ve already been diagnosed, or you’d simply like to protect your teeth and gums from periodontal disease, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to improve your odds. The good news is that there are a variety of delicious, nutritious foods you can add to your diet to help. Here’s a closer look at some of them, and why they’re so effective at safeguarding your smile!
Foods that Protect Your Teeth and Gums
While simply making good dietary choices isn’t quite enough to protect your teeth and gums from oral health problems, consuming the following healthy options in conjunction with a thorough oral hygiene routine can help lower your chances of developing cavities and gum disease.
Dairy Products
Foods like milk, cheese and yogurt are packed with calcium, which is essential for building strong teeth and bones.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, and sardines contain lots of omega-3 fatty acids. These have anti-inflammatory properties that can be extremely beneficial to the gums.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, celery, and cucumbers can step in when you don’t have a toothbrush available. In fact, if you have food stuck between teeth that cannot be loosened with dental floss, your dentist may suggest grabbing one of the above to help clear it away. They are also helpful at stimulating your saliva to help rinse away debris and plaque.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds are full of nutrients like calcium and phosphorus which are beneficial to building tooth enamel.
Leafy Greens
Delicious greens add a punch of flavor to any meal. Look for dark varieties like spinach and kale to make the biggest impact. They’re loaded with calcium and vitamin C, which is extremely beneficial to your gums.
Citrus Fruits
Although too much citric acid can be dangerous to your tooth enamel, fruits like oranges, strawberries, kiwis and guavas all contain ample amounts of vitamin C, which benefits your gums and your immune system and can be useful when fighting infections.
Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols, which have been found to help reduce inflammation in the gums and inhibit the growth of dangerous oral bacteria.
Water
Water doesn’t just help keep your body running smoothly, it can also help rinse away plaque and food particles and keep your saliva production on track, reducing your risk of tooth decay.
Whole Grains
Whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oatmeal contain iron and B vitamins, both of which can be beneficial for your oral health.
Sugarless Chewing Gum
While it’s not a food, per se, chewing sugarless gum after meals can help stimulate saliva production, which in turn can neutralize plaque acids and wash away food particles and debris.
Remember, while diet alone cannot protect your smile from cavities and gum disease, eating a variety of delicious nutritious foods can be extremely helpful in safeguarding your oral health when combined with a healthy hygiene routine. For additional help protecting your gums, speak to your dentist about periodontal therapy today.
About Dr. Palmer
Dr. Sienna Palmer attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX for her undergraduate degree before earning dental doctorate at the distinguished Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California. Today, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the California Dental Association. To schedule an appointment at Palm Dental for gum disease treatment, visit our website or call us today at 949-365-0951.