Keeping your gums clean and healthy is as important to your oral health as maintaining the structure of your teeth. Gum disease affects approximately half of all American adults over the age of 30 and can cause tooth loss and other severe damage if it progresses.
You can prevent gum disease by practicing good oral hygiene and sticking to a healthy diet. The foods you consume can boost the wellbeing of your gums if you plan your meals and snacks with care. Dr. Fabrizio Dall’olmo, a dentist practicing in Santa Monica, CA, outlines five foods that can help you improve your periodontal health.
Apples
You have likely heard the saying that an apple a day will keep the doctor away, but eating apples will get you approval from your dentist too. Hard-textured fruits like apples can give your oral hygiene a boost by cleaning excess plaque and bacterial build-up from your teeth as you chew. Removing these residues from your smile in a timely fashion will make it less likely that bacteria can infect your gum disease and cause periodontal disease.
Yogurt
Yogurt and other dairy products contain calcium which can strengthen your teeth as well as your bones. But yogurt can provide targeted support for your gums too because it features probiotics.
Consuming probiotics can balance bacteria throughout your body, including in your mouth. This type of equilibrium will lower your risk of contracting oral infections like gum disease.
Salmon
Oily fish like salmon have high amounts of omega-3s, an essential fat that improves your cardiovascular health. Many health professionals also believe they have anti-inflammatory properties, which means that they can reduce uncomfortable symptoms related to periodontal disease such as inflammation, bleeding, and swelling in the gums.
Nuts
If you are looking for a dentist-recommended snack, nuts may be the ideal choice for you. They can help you curb cravings for sugary treats that can lead to enamel erosion and cause severe dental damage. Their crunchy texture can also help you clean plaque and lingering residues from your smile and further reduce your chances of developing structural dental issues like periodontal disease.
Water
While many people may argue that water does not count as a food, it can still provide many benefits for your periodontal health. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water maintains adequate saliva production.
Dehydration can cause dry mouth, and this dry environment allows bacteria to spread easily across your teeth to your gums. You should drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day to remain hydrated and keep periodontal concerns at bay.
Visit Your Dentist for a Periodontal Screening in Santa Monica, CA
Dr. Dall’olmo provides periodontal therapy and surgery along with other general dentistry treatments for patients in Santa Monica, CA. Our practice also specializes in implant, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, including Invisalign treatment, for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our team, contact our office by phone at 310.736.1051 or reach our staff online.