Protecting Your Gums With These Foods
Going to the dentist regularly and keeping up with your oral care routine at home are important ways to keep your gums healthy. But did you know there are certain foods that can boost your oral health as well?
An ideal diet of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods, and whole grains is vital for a healthy smile as well as a healthy body. Choose these specific options to protect your teeth, prevent gingivitis, and boost your oral care!
Dairy Products
Besides water, milk is the best drink to support your teeth. Milk keeps bones strong, and that’s no different than keeping your teeth strong! Protecting your teeth from extraction also protects your gums, reducing your risks of developing cavities, decay, and, therefore, periodontal disease.
Many low fat or non-fat dairy products such as cottage cheese and yogurts are packed with calcium and probiotics which make them great additions to your diet. Cheeses are also rich in phosphates and make a great choice to enjoy in moderation.
Fresh Fruits
One of our favorite fruit choices is apples — their acidity level neutralizes the mouth and removes food particles while chewing. What’s better than a natural flossing option?
Adding hard, fibrous fruits to your diet may not keep the dentist away forever, but it will decrease your risk of dental issues!
Some other great options for your smile include cranberries, strawberries, kiwis, and tangerines. Just be sure to limit citrus fruits!
Leafy Greens
There are no bad vegetables to add to your diet, but some are particularly great for your oral health. Dark, leafy greens are rich in calcium, folic acid, other important vitamins and minerals that your teeth and gums love. Use crunch spinach, kale, and lettuce in your recipes to prevent cavity-causing bacteria.
Fatty Fish
Wondering how anything fatty can be healthy? Fatty fish (like salmon) are loaded with phosphorus, an important mineral for protecting tooth enamel. Chewing meat also increases saliva production, removing debris and decreasing acid levels in your mouth.
Other fish to add to your diet include:
- Herring
- Mackerel
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Halibut
- Rainbow Trout
- Tuna
Water
Water is essential to any healthy diet alongside nutrient-dense foods. Drinking plenty of water washes food particles from your gumline and works to keep your gums hydrated.
Water with fluoride is an added bonus that helps to fortify your smile. For proper hydration, adults should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
Endodontic Specialists in Tigard, OR
Every member of our competent team at Progressive Periodontics is committed to helping and treating every one of our patients with tooth loss prevention and improvement of their overall oral health. Whatever level of periodontal disease you find yourself dealing with, our compassionate and professional staff will work tirelessly to aid in repairing your gums and supporting tissues and bone structure.