Is Your Diet Affecting Your Gums?

By Jaklin Bezik, DDS, MDS

Metro Dental Health

. http://metrodentalhealth.com/

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Is Your Diet Affecting Your Gums?

Gum disease is one of the most common dental issues people experience, and can be extremely painful and lead to tooth loss. Your gums hold onto your teeth, and when harmful bacteria infiltrate them, they can no longer maintain a grip on teeth. What's so unfortunate about it is how preventable, and treatable, it is, by implementing simple changes in your lifestyle some as easy as changing certain common dietary habits.

Hydration

Are you drinking enough water? Maintaining proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy gums. If you're not drinking enough water, your gums are more likely to become irritated and inflamed. Sugars and salts in liquid take away the potential health benefits of hydration. Every individual should drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day according to Mayo Clinic research.

Eating in Moderation

Everything in your body is connected. What you eat influences the type and amount of bacteria present in your mouth. Malnutrition as well as obesity can cause inflamed, swollen and irritated gums that are infected by harmful bacteria.

Eating a Balanced Diet

How many fruits and vegetables do you eat per day? How much starch? Variety is important; the more whole foods you eat, the better, but a balance of the food groups must be maintained. When reaching for bread products, look for whole grains. Avoid sugars and bad fats. Foods high in antioxidants like blueberries and raisins can satisfy a sweet craving while also contributing to overall dental health.

Steer Clear of Sodas

How many sodas do you drink weekly? Sodas combine all of the aforementioned detrimental characteristics of diet they're loaded with sugar, and they contribute to dehydration by making you feel less thirsty when your body, in fact, needs additional water. Additionally, even sugar-free sodas leave a sticky film on your teeth leading to accelerated decay and contributing to bacterial infection of the gums.

Raw Foods

Are most of the foods you eat processed? Another thing that can satisfy a sugar craving while contributing to positive gum health is raw fruits of all kinds. While blueberries and dried grapes (raisins) offer the additional benefits of antioxidants, all raw fruits can help prevent bacterial infection of the gums as well as tooth decay, as can other uncooked, unprocessed items, like raw vegetables.

High-nutrition foods with little processing can help overall gum health too. If the food item is good for the rest of your body, it probably is good for your gums, too.