Your gums thrive when you treat them with the care and attention they deserve. Taking the time every day to brush and floss them will help keep them strong so they can continue providing support for your teeth, prevent bone material from deteriorating, and fight off the oral bacteria that creates dreaded gum disease.
Today we are going to look a little deeper at how to support healthy gums by nourishing them from within. Incorporating the following foods into your daily diet will give your gums the tools they need to take care of your smile.
1- Your gums need vitamins and minerals that support their growth, just as your body does. Both kale and spinach provide gum-nourishing vitamins and minerals. These power-packed greens also give your gums vitamin C which boosts red blood cell production and lowers gum inflammation. Other sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits and peppers of all colors. But another benefit to your gums which comes from chewing leafy greens is the production of saliva as you chew. Saliva supports your gums by washing away oral bacteria, plaque, and food particles.
2- The calcium in dairy supports gum health by supplying a protein called casein. This protein neutralizes the oral acids that are created by the bacteria thriving in the mouth. These acids attack the gums and cause both irritation and inflammation that can lead to swelling. Casein is easily ingested by eating yogurt, cheese, and milk.
3- Munching on hard, fibrous vegetables and fruit such as apple chunks, celery slices, and carrot sticks will loosen plaque that is stuck between teeth and around the gumline. This loosening action can help keep your mouth feeling fresher in between brushing as this debris is washed away. Another factor provided by chewing is the creation of saliva. As this chewing action increases saliva levels, it helps keep bacteria from building up around the gumline.
To support your gum health, eat a balanced diet from the food groups, brush, and floss every day, and see your dentist every six months for cleanings. Our Orlando Family Dentistry, LLC team in Hopewell, New Jersey is happy to schedule a visit with Dr. Christopher M. Spelman. Just call 609-466-1332 today!