7 Foods to Eat For Healthy Gums

Did you know that what you eat affects your oral health as well? Yes, that’s true. Your eating habits don’t only affect your body but also your teeth and gums. That’s why you feel your teeth becoming rough after having a glass of lime water or notice them getting slightly discoloured after having a dark-coloured food like beetroot.

So why not alter your diet a bit and keep your teeth and gums healthy without much effort? You can even stop the progression of gum disease by increasing the intake of certain foods. So let’s take a look at some of the best foods for healthy gums, recommended by Motivo Dental’s dentists.

1. Celery, Carrots, Apples

These crunchy fruits and vegetables are advantageous for your oral health in several ways. Firstly, the crunchy texture and high fibre help in releasing more saliva while chewing when compared to softer foods. Saliva is excellent for flushing the mouth of bacteria near the gum line. Chewing crunchy foods also removes food leftovers and plaque from your interdental spaces, thus keeping your mouth fresh and clean between brushings.

2. Basil

This flavour-enhancing herb contains essential oils, rosmarinic acid, Linalool, and oleanolic acid. These oils and acids inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, keeping your mouth clean and healthy.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt contain a protein called casein. Casein helps to neutralize oral acids that are produced by bacteria in the mouth. These acids are responsible for tooth enamel breakdown and irritation in the gums, leading to gum diseases. Hence, most dentists in West Edmonton recommend people to increase their intake of milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.

4. Pears, Peaches, Berries

These fruits contain very high amounts of catechins and vitamin C. Catechins (a type of antioxidant) fight the bacteria that cause inflammation and periodontal disease. Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen, a key protein that helps you fight periodontal disease. Both these essentials help protect gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection.

5. Garlic and Onions

Both garlic and onions have strong antimicrobial properties as they contain sulphur compounds, thio-sulfinates, and thiosulfonates. The high content of allicin in these foods helps you fight tooth decay and especially periodontal disease.

6. Unsweetened Green and Black Tea

Green and black teas are rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols reduce bacteria and acids in the mouth. These teas are also rich in fluoride, which is a necessity for healthy teeth and gums. Drink unsweetened teas for best results; avoid adding honey as well.

7. Sesame Seeds

Chewing sesame seeds scrubs off plaque and bacteria from your oral surfaces, leaving your teeth and gums fresh. Also, sesame seeds are rich in calcium, and we already know that calcium plays a role in making the jawbones healthy and strong to hold the teeth in place.

You can talk to your dentists in West Edmonton to under which other foods and beverages are ideal for healthy gums and teeth. Your dentist will tell you the exact quantity and the right way to consume these foods to keep your oral health at its best.