Almost half of all adults over the age of 30 in the United States have gum disease, and the odds of developing it only increase with age. As such, you can never take too many precautions when it comes to gum health. In addition to practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly, you should also pay attention to what you’re eating. Below are 5 foods that can potentially help fight or prevent gum disease.
1. Red and Green Bell Peppers
Studies have found that a lack of vitamin C is closely linked to gum disease. As such, you should make sure that you’re eating plenty of foods that contain this essential nutrient. Red and green bell peppers are a very good example. A cup of green bell peppers contains 200% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C; a cup of red bell peppers has 300%. In short, making green and red bell peppers a regular part of your diet will help ensure that you don’t have to worry about a vitamin C deficiency.
2. Nuts
Certain nuts can benefit your smile in a variety of ways. Pistachios and macadamia nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids that can help fight the inflammation that is often the result of gum disease. Meanwhile, certain nuts such as almonds can be a good source of calcium, which is known to improve the health of the gums and the jawbone. If you’re looking for something to snack on during the day, nuts can be a very gum-friendly option.
3. Oily Fish
Oily fish such as salmon and tuna are known to help boost your immune system. This can give you better protection against gum-disease-causing bacteria. Additionally, oily fishes are similar to nuts in that they contain omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation.
4. Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Obviously, the nutrients found in crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots can boost your health in a variety of ways. However, they have another benefit that might be less obvious: they can help clean your teeth and gums while you chew them. Since gum disease is often the result of harmful bacteria being allowed to accumulate in your mouth, it may be worth eating more crunchy fruits and vegetables to try and improve your oral hygiene.
5. Grass-Fed Beef
The collagen in grass-fed beef helps keep the teeth attached to your gums. Additionally, grass-fed beef is notable for its anti-inflammatory properties due to containing omega-3 fatty acids and other important nutrients.
Your dentist may be able to make a few additional dietary recommendations. Make sure to speak up at your next checkup if you want to improve your gum health.
About the Author
Dr. Lucia Troisi completed the dental program at Universidad de Carabobo, and after moving to the United States she also attended NOVA Southeastern University. She keeps up with the latest dental advancements and can use soft-tissue lasers to treat gum disease. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Troisi at Troisi Dentistry in Chesapeake, visit her website or call (757) 548-1611.