When you think about keeping your smile healthy, you may only think about your teeth. But what about your gums, which hold those pearly whites in place? Maintaining positive periodontal (gum) health is important for enjoying a clean, beautiful smile for life. And what you eat plays a big role in how healthy your gums are. Keep reading to learn how you can tweak your diet for better periodontal health — your dentist in Dublin has some ideas!
Leafy Greens
Dark, leafy green vegetables pack a powerful punch for your periodontal health. They are loaded with nutrients like vitamin C, which boosts the red blood cell production and reduces inflammation caused by gum disease. And because they require more chewing, leafy green vegetables stimulate saliva flow to help your mouth cleanse itself naturally.
Want to add some of these powerful veggies to your diet? Think about introducing a new spinach salad to your lunchtime routine. Spinach, kale, and dark lettuces are all great options for salad bases.
Green Tea
In addition to green vegetables, you can benefit your periodontal health by sipping on a nice cup of green tea every now and then. It’s thought that green tea can reduce inflammation, like that caused by oral bacteria — meaning changing up your coffee routine could help you fight gum disease for better oral and overall health. And there’s an added bonus: switching out your morning or afternoon coffee for a cup of green tea can reduce stains caused by coffee for a brighter, whiter smile!
Plenty of H2O
Healthy smiles are also well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help to stimulate saliva flow, which naturally cleanses your smile by washing away the acids and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. So the next time you’re tempted to sip on a coffee or soda to power through your mid-afternoon slump, reach for water instead. Your gums will thank you for it.
Raw Fruits and Vegetables
You know how satisfying it can be to bite into a fresh apple? The crunch just says you’re doing something right — and your teeth and gums feel the same way. Eating plenty of crisp fruits and vegetables naturally scrubs away the plaque and bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. To incorporate more of these items into your diet, try snacking on fresh celery sticks, carrots, or even a handful of nuts in the afternoon.
Dairy
Dairy produces casein, a protein that helps to neutralize the pH balance in your mouth. That reduces inflammation caused by oral bacteria, which also lessens your risk of gum disease. And as a bonus, calcium strengthens bone for stronger, healthier teeth, too.
Want to get more dairy in your diet? Start the day off with a fruit smoothie made of milk, yogurt, or kefir.
That’s it! Add one, two, or all of these items into your diet alongside regular visits to your dentist — and watch your oral health benefit!
About the Authors
Dr. Eric Buck and Dr. Hannah Burton provide superior dental care for patients of all ages. If you are looking for a family dentist in Dublin you can trust, it’s time to give Distinctive Smiles a call! Contact us today at (614) 792-1800.