One simple strategy to improve gum health is to eat a diet rich in nutrients that promotes strong and healthy teeth and gums. But, what are the foods for gum health?

Here are some foods to eat and avoid if you have receding gums and gum infection, foods for healthy gums and teeth, foods for inflamed gums and bleeding gums, and what to drink if you have gum disease.

One easy way to support gum health is to have a diet that provides plenty of nutrients and builds strong and healthy teeth and gums. 

Here are foods you can eat that support gum health.

Milk, Yogurt, Dairy

Calcium-rich foods are good for your teeth. They also aid in other areas of oral hygiene. Yogurt promotes beneficial bacteria in the body, which may also aid in cavity prevention.

Sugar-Free Gum

When buying gums, make sure it is sugar-free. Sugar-Free Gum is an excellent way to keep your teeth clean and fresh between meals. 

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables that are crisp and high in fiber can assist in keeping teeth clean and healthy, as well as reduce the chance of having teeth plaque. 

Tea

Tea, which is high in polyphenols, can help to prevent germs that promote plaque growth, making cavities less likely to form and lowering the risk of irritation of the softer oral tissues.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are one food that has been shown to improve gum health and lower the risk of periodontal disease.

Water

Drinking enough water throughout the day keeps teeth clean and healthy by routinely washing away food particles. Preventing plaque in this manner is an important method to improve gum health.

Nuts

Almonds, for example, are low in sugar and high in fiber, as well as minerals like calcium, which promote healthy teeth and gums.

Many people have heard that milk helps their bones and vegetables help their eyes. These dietary suggestions are commonly known, but you may be unaware of which foods are beneficial to your gums. Here’s what the most recent nutrition science has to say about the healthiest foods for gum health.

Foods for gum health

Brushing, flossing, and rinsing keeps your mouth healthy. And, while these potent weapons are essential in your bacterial-fighting armory, you could always use more reinforcement. Aside from minimizing your intake of sugary sweets and harsh acidic foods, some foods are beneficial to your gum health.

Ginger

Ginger root is a therapeutic herb. It builds healthy tissue in your mouth for optimal dental health because of its anti-inflammatory elements.

Dairy

Milk and other dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, include not just bone-building calcium, but also the protein casein, which has been shown in studies to lower acid levels in the mouth. Consuming milk can help to neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria. Drinking milk with breakfast or dessert does not provide the same benefits as immediate consumption after eating. Eat some cheese.

Fiber

Salad greens are known for their overall health benefits, but they’re also particularly effective at keeping mouths clean since they’re high in fiber, which requires significant chewing to break down. Chewing produces additional saliva, which helps to kill bacteria in the mouth. This benefit is provided by high-fiber, stringy foods such as fresh spinach, celery, and even cooked beans.

Apple

It can take some time to eat an apple. And this is excellent for your teeth. The chewing action causes a cleansing activity, which shakes off the plaque that adheres to the gums and teeth. Stock up on apples, but remember to rinse your mouth with mouthwash afterward. Even healthful foods, such as apples, can cause an acid buildup in your mouth. Still, be careful.

Why it’s essential to keep gums healthy 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47.2% of adults aged 30 and up in the United States have some gum disease. People with gingivitis, or early-stage gum disease, may notice that their gums are swollen and red. Their gums may bleed as well. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. People suffering from this form of gum disease may notice their gums peeling away from their teeth, their teeth loosening, or even their teeth falling out.

The bacteria in plaque cause gum disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), several bacteria can infect the gum tissue, causing inflammation and illness. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease. In addition, see your dentist at least once a year for a periodontal evaluation. A well-balanced diet may also aid in the health of your gums.

Foods to avoid if you have receding gums 

What foods to eat and avoid if you have receding gums?

Acidic foods are one of the most important things to avoid if you have gum disease. Black coffee, tea, citrus fruits, and pickled veggies are examples. These substances can exacerbate your gums and promote inflammation.

Sugar is a well-known cause of gum disease and cavities, and you should avoid it at all costs. Sugary meals include more than just candy and chocolate. White bread, pasta sauce, peanut butter, applesauce, and yogurt contain sugar. Reading food labels and knowing how much sugar is in it will help your teeth and gums. 

Cold food and beverages can sometimes be challenging. Cold things can cause discomfort and pain because the periodontal disease damages the nerves in your teeth and gums.

Foods to eat if you have receding gums 

Some foods can help prevent tooth decay and enhance overall oral health. Foods high in omega-3s, such as nuts, seeds, and oily seafood like salmon, can help. Omega-3 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory effects that help the immune system.

Green tea is also helpful because of its high catechin content, which is a vital vitamin for preventing gum disease. Cacao contains catechins as well. Dentists recommend it to have 70% or raw chocolate to avoid a high sugar content.

Red and green peppers are high in vitamin C, which helps combat gum disease. One cup of red pepper has 300 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement.

If you have receding gums, see your dentist for an assessment and treatment. If you’ve already been treated and diagnosed, your dietary choices can help you recover. Knowing which foods to avoid when having receding gums will aid with rehabilitation. 

Eating foods that are good for your teeth and gums, matching them with regular brushing and flossing, will make you feel better in no time. Remember to see your doctor before making any extensive dietary modifications. Continue to take good care of your mouth.

Drinks for healthy gums

What you drink affects your oral health. Even minor dietary changes can safeguard your dental health. When we think about modifying our diet, we frequently think only about the food we consume and what drinks we should drink and avoid. Unfortunately, everything you drink leaves traces of particles on your teeth, which can have a significant impact on your oral health. This doesn’t imply you should only drink water for the rest of your life, but there are a few drinks you should avoid. 

Here are some drinks to avoid and consume when you have gum disease.

Drinks to consume 

Tap Water

While sugary drinks create a coating of sugar on your teeth for bacteria to feed on, water cleans your mouth with each sip. It washes away food particles and dilutes the acid created by bacteria in your mouth. Fluoride is also found in most tap water, which helps to strengthen your enamel and protects your teeth from decay.

Milk

Milk is high in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, making it beneficial to your teeth. Calcium and phosphorus help to strengthen and even restore tooth enamel, while vitamin D aids in calcium and phosphorus absorption. Vitamin D also aids in the prevention of gum disease by reducing inflammation in the gums. In addition, milk includes casein, a protein that fights tooth decay and protects your enamel by building a protective coating on your teeth. Although milk contains naturally occurring sugar, you shouldn’t be concerned about milk giving you cavities. If you are allergic to milk or have lactose intolerance, you can buy calcium-fortified almond milk replacements that provide similar advantages to your teeth.

Green or White Tea

Tea is popular in many countries and cultures, but not all tea is equally beneficial to your teeth. Green and white teas are the most beneficial to your teeth. Green, white, and black tea all have high levels of antioxidants, which aid in the battle against cavity-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gums, but black tea will yellow your teeth over time. 

White tea also has the added benefit of being an excellent natural supply of fluoride, which aids in the strengthening of your enamel. However, you should be cautious with how much sugar or honey you add to your tea, as sugar can still be detrimental to your teeth.

Drinks to avoid

Fruit Punch

Fruit punch contains all the disadvantages of juice, but none of the advantages. Punch rarely contains genuine juice, therefore it lacks the nutrients found in real fruit juices. Instead, they’re loaded with sugar or high fructose corn syrup, both of which contribute to tooth decay. It’s also somewhat more acidic than real fruit juice, so drinking too much of it will destroy your enamel.

Soda

While soda is one of America’s favorite beverages, it is extremely harmful to your teeth. It’s high in sugar and extremely acidic, eroding your enamel and providing lots of sugar for bacteria in your mouth to thrive on. This renders your teeth vulnerable to decay, and this is true for both diet and normal soda. Furthermore, the dark color of most sodas causes them to discolor your teeth yellow over time.

Sports and Energy Drinks

While sports drinks are wonderful for hydration and a decent source of electrolytes, making them a popular post-workout drink, they are bad for your teeth. Sports drinks are high in sugar and extremely acidic, eroding enamel and rendering teeth susceptible to decay.

Fruit Juice

Fruit juice contains a lot of vitamins, but it’s usually concentrated, which means it’s quite acidic. The acidity level of juice varies depending on the variety, with citrus and cranberry juices having the highest acidity. Fruit juice can still be consumed, however, it should be consumed in moderation, with water, or with a straw. Fruits are generally a better source of nutrients than juice, so eating fruit is preferable to drinking juice.

Wine

Unfortunately, both red and white wine is acidic, which is terrible for your teeth. Because red wine stains your teeth, it may appear that drinking white wine is the better alternative for your teeth. White wine, on the other hand, has the same disadvantage in that it is more acidic and hence has a bigger detrimental effect on your enamel. This doesn’t imply you have to give up alcohol. Eating cheese with your wine forms a protective layer on your teeth, shielding them from the acidic and staining characteristics of the wine.

Summary

You don’t have to stop drinking your favorite beverages entirely, but you should know what they can do to your teeth. 

While you should restrict your use of these beverages, you can take additional actions to reduce their impact on your teeth, such as using a straw to prevent your drink’s contact with your teeth.

It’s also a good idea to be aware of which drinks and foods are for your gum health. Taken together, this information can help you better safeguard your oral health, ensuring that you continue to receive a clean bill of health at your dentist appointments.

Wanna know more about foods and what supplements to take for gum health? We recommend you to read this article entitled Supplements for Gum Health.