Are you a potato chips and cookies kind of person, or do you prefer to snack on apples and raw celery sticks? If you’re like most people, while you may not eat solely carbs and sweets, you probably don’t incorporate as many healthy options as you should. Because of this, you might find that your waistline isn’t shrinking as you want, but what about the rest of your body? How do the foods you eat help or hinder your smile, for instance? Let a dentist explain which items you should begin eating more of if you want to maintain good gum health.
Apples, Celery, and Broccoli: Fruits and Vegetables
You’ve been told your whole life to eat more fruits and vegetables, right? Whether you have a craving for these food choices or prefer to leave them on the shelf at your local grocery store, there is no denying that more carrots, broccoli, apples, and other colorful fruits and veggies should be a staple in your diet.
Apart from the many benefits they can provide to your body as a whole, eating them raw can easily remove bacteria while increasing saliva production. As a result, anything trying to stick to the chewing surfaces of your teeth will be washed away.
If you also incorporate dark, leafy greens that are full of Vitamin C and calcium, you will be less likely to develop gum disease and the inflammation that comes with it. And don’t forget about broccoli, onions, sweet potatoes, and peppers. These can fight off bacterial growth within your mouth – the kind that creates plaque and causes tooth decay and gum disease.
Milk and Cheese, Please: Dairy
Even if you don’t like the taste of milk, most people don’t mind it in their whole-grain cereal. But if milk isn’t your beverage of choice, you can still strengthen your tooth enamel and neutralize acids that can damage your teeth and gums. How? By eating more dairy products like cottage cheese, yogurt, and other forms of cheese. Just be mindful when at the grocery store and read the labels. Stick to low-sugar and sugar-free options (i.e. yogurt), as too much sugar will lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Chicken, Fish, Eggs: Poultry
Your body must have a certain amount of protein to function properly. This can be achieved by eating more lean meats, such as chicken, fish, eggs, and some red meats. The protein found in these items can help to strengthen your teeth and improve your gum health. Don’t like meat? Try eating more nuts, beans, and seeds that contain healthy fiber and minerals that are beneficial to both your body and smile.
Hydrate with Plenty of Water
Water is one of the best ways to protect your smile. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it works to keep your mouth moist, prevent bad breath by washing away bacteria, and increases saliva production, which also works to remove food particles living in your mouth. By removing these from your oral cavity, your teeth and gums will remain free of decay and disease.
If you’re having trouble finding ways to incorporate some of these foods into your daily meals, look for recipes that make it easy and taste good! If you have additional questions about how you can improve your gum health, don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. James Moreau graduated from the LSU School of Dentistry in 1980. Developing MoreSMILES as a preventative and advanced restorative practice, he offers a vast array of comprehensive services, each designed to help you achieve a healthier smile. Worried about your gum health? Let Dr. Moreau and his team offer tips and advice on ways you can improve your soft tissues, one of which is to incorporate certain foods into your diet. To learn more about Dr. Moreau, or if you have any questions about periodontal therapy and how it treats gum disease, please contact us at (985) 809-7645 today!