Several factors contribute to the state of our oral health, but after brushing and flossing, our diet can have the greatest influence. It’s not always clear which foods are best for gums and teeth. Let’s dive in and find out more through Willow Glen dental specialist near me.

Importance of Healthy Gums

Many people think that gleaming white teeth are all that count for a healthy mouth, but gums play an essential role in protecting the teeth. When gums are inflamed or diseased, they can recede from around the teeth. Excessive recession can make teeth become loose, at risk of drifting into irregular positions, and in the worst case, fall out.

Healthy gums are firm to the touch rather than soft and loose. They should be light pink and not red and inflamed. The gum should sit snugly around each tooth without any gaps. Healthy gums are less likely to bleed from brushing and flossing, and individuals with healthy gums typically experience less sensitivity.

Gum health can also influence overall health. Research has shown a link between gum disease and chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and possibly stroke. Interestingly, pregnant females with gum disease are more likely to have a pre-term birth.

Orthodontic Treatment and Gum Health

Having healthy gums is essential if you’re considering or undergoing orthodontic treatment. If inflammation or infection is present, braces or Invisalign treatment may be disastrous.

Tooth movement in healthy tissues stretches the gums and dissolves the supporting bone, which then reforms when tooth movement has stopped (when retainers are worn). However, tooth movement in the presence of gum disease results in aggressive loss of bone and supporting gum that does not recover later. Moving teeth in people with infected gums could accelerate bone loss, leading to tooth loss or the need for complex gum treatment.

If gum disease presents during treatment, often orthodontic treatment must stop, and the gum health issues dealt with before treatment can progress.

12 Foods for Healthy Gums and Teeth

Foods beneficial for healthy teeth and gums span the healthy food pyramid, so there is something for everyone to enjoy while contributing to their oral health.

1. Chicken: Contains collagen and CoQ10, an antioxidant found in the body that helps with cell function and fights gum disease. Chicken skin, in particular, is high in collagen.
2. Beef: Grass-fed beef contains collagen and is high in omega-3s.
3. Salmon: Salmon and other oily fish, such as herring and mackerel, are good sources of nutrients and omega-3s. Fish oils have anti-inflammatory effects on the human body and are good for the immune system.
4. Bone Broth: Contains several nutrients that aren’t available in whole foods. Collagen is essential for gum health.
5. Broccoli: Packed with vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C can improve gum strength, and vitamin A helps build strong enamel on teeth.
6. Capsicum: Red and green capsicum are high in vitamin C, which helps keep the connective tissue in gums healthy and strong.
7. Sweet Potato: Contains vitamin A, which helps keep the mucous membranes and soft tissue of gums healthy. It also helps build tooth enamel and contains vitamins C and D, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, which help prevent gum disease.
8. Cacao: Raw chocolate with at least 70% cacao hasn’t been exposed to high heat, so its beneficial compounds are still available. These compounds are effective at fighting tooth decay, and catechins in cacao can help stop gum disease.
9. Nuts and Seeds: Great sources of nutrients. The most beneficial to gum health are macadamia nuts, pistachios, and sesame seeds due to their high omega-3 content and anti-inflammatory qualities.
10. Yogurt: While the calcium in dairy foods is good for healthy teeth and jawbones, the main benefit of yogurt is encouraging healthy bacteria to fight gum disease and prevent cavities. Avoid added sugars to retain these benefits.
11. Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut and Kimchi support the good bacteria in the mouth and suppress the growth of oral pathogens. The probiotics reduce gingivitis and plaque buildup.
12. Tea: Rich in polyphenols, tea can prevent bacteria that encourage plaque growth and reduce the risk of inflammation of soft mouth tissue. Green tea is particularly beneficial due to its high catechin content, which fights gum disease.

Foods to Avoid If You Have Receding Gums or Gum Disease

Limiting foods that worsen receding gums can help. A dentist may give a patient a list of foods to avoid to prevent diet-related gum recession and gum disease. High sugar foods can exacerbate receding gums if the teeth are not cleaned thoroughly. Sugar promotes the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, so it’s best to stay away from milk chocolate, cakes, slices, and doughnuts. Soft and energy drinks also coat the teeth and gums with harmful bacteria that thrive in sugar.

Foods with high acid content create an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. Citrus fruits, pickled vegetables, and black coffee can increase inflammation and aggravate impacted gums. Additionally, receding gums expose roots and nerves, making them more sensitive to extreme cold, so avoid ice cubes and icy poles.

Conclusion

Don’t underestimate the impact of diet on oral health. If your Willow Glen dental or orthodontist points out that you have gingivitis or gum disease, reviewing your diet can be the first step in stopping the disease from progressing. Gradually cutting out sugar and including beneficial foods will make a difference. Healthy gums are the bedrock of healthy teeth, so take good care of them.