Many people mostly consider their teeth when they think of their dental health, but your connective tissues are equally as significant. For example, advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, is the number one leading cause of permanent tooth loss in adults.
Thankfully, this condition is also highly preventable. For instance, brushing and flossing twice daily removes harmful plaque and bacteria that cause common oral issues. But did you know your diet can also help support your gums? Continue reading to learn about 3 ingredients that can benefit your periodontal tissues!
Food #1: Citrus Fruits
It seems like common knowledge that eating more calcium-rich dairy foods, such as milk, cheese, or yogurt, can help you build stronger teeth and bones. But did you know that incorporating more citrus fruits and certain leafy greens can improve your gum health?
This is because different ingredients, such as oranges, broccoli, or bell peppers, are high in vitamin c. This is essential in crating and maintaining collagen, a vital protein that gives your gums their structure and elasticity. It also functions as an antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of oral inflammation that contributes to periodontal disease. However, keep in mind that citrus can also be acidic and might wear your enamel down if your teeth are overexposed, so you don’t want to overdo it.
Food #2: Fatty Fish
Another way to help protect your dental health is by eating more fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, which typically have lots of omega-3 fatty acids. This is because your body doesn’t generate these beneficial, polyunsaturated fats on its own, so they can only be ingested.
Once they’re absorbed into your system, they help reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease, and support brain and vision function. They also reduce inflammation and boost your immune system, so your body can more easily fight infections, like gum disease.
Food #3: Cacao
Would you be surprised to learn that cacao, derived from the same seed that cocoa comes from, can also help strengthen your smile? This minimally processed powder typically is cold-pressed or processed at low temperatures, which maintains more of its inherent nutrients and health benefits.
For example, this ingredient contains lots of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help calm swollen or irritated tissues in your mouth. Cacao compounds also support healthy blood vessel function so that your body can send essential nutrients and infection-fighting cells to your gums to prevent potential problems.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your gums or have unanswered questions about how to maintain a happy, healthy smile, you can learn more by contacting your dentist for an appointment!
Meet the Author
Dr. Evan Pedersen takes pride in helping his patients improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston, and today, has 13+ years of experience providing a comprehensive menu of services, including gum disease treatment, to meet your unique needs under one roof. His attention to detail is combined with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate treatment results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (512) 777-0866.