Since you were little, you have probably heard the adage, “You are what you eat.” Not surprisingly, it carries plenty of truth. What you put into your body definitely helps you get the most out of your tissues, muscles, tendons, organs, and more. But did you realize that the foods you choose help your gums, too? Your gums are the first line of defense when you eat a meal or snack. To avoid problems like gingivitis, start to treat your gums to foods that will make any periodontist smile.
Go for Some Crunch
Want something a little crunchy to nibble on? Forgo the crackers, cookies, and chips, and head straight to your produce options. Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery are not only better for your overall health, but they help keep your teeth cleaner and your gums massaged. In fact, celery’s strands tend to operate like all-natural dental floss, removing residue from the gum line and between the teeth and gums. If you have a sweet tooth, an apple a day is a much better choice than anything filled with sugar.
Drink Up!
You may be a die-hard coffee lover, but try substituting a cup of joe every day for black or green tea. This variety of tea has antibacterial properties and assists your mouth in rinsing out particles that could otherwise stick inside your gums.
Caffeine in tea is sometimes less harsh on the stomach for certain people. Not a huge tea lover? Add some milk, which has calcium your teeth and gums will adore. Forgo the honey or cane sugar and try stevia or monk fruit extract to lessen the likelihood of cavities.
Go Nuts
Another healthy option, especially for snacking, is nuts. Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and other tree nuts contain plenty of vitamins. Those vitamins are useful not only to your gums, but also to the rest of your body. Just remember, nuts are very high in fats and calories. Be sure you don’t overindulge. It is always better to know the proper number of nuts to eat per serving before diving in and discovering you ate too many!
Get on the right track with your healthy-gum foods today! If you have the signs of gingivitis in Chester, NJ, contact our periodontist office for a consultation.
