You might focus a lot on taking care of your teeth. After all, those pearly whites are part of what make you the beautiful, healthy person that you are. However, you shouldn’t focus just on your teeth. Your gums are important too! The pink tissue that holds your teeth in place plays a pivotal role in how your smile looks and your oral and overall health. How can you take better care of your gums? Your dentist in Upper Arlington recommends that you eat more of these foods:
Onions
Onions might temporarily give you bad breath, but they’re actually fantastic for your gums. They’re a natural antibiotic, which means that they kill many of the germs in your mouth that could lead to gum disease and tooth decay. You’ll get the most benefits from onions if you eat them raw, so try adding some to your salad — just be sure to have some mints handy for after you finish eating.
Leafy Greens
Along with onions, add more leafy greens to your salad. Kale, spinach, and similar veggies are chock-full of amazing vitamins and minerals that will help your entire body to thrive. Vitamin C is particularly good for your oral health because it fights inflammation and increases red blood cell production, both of which can help battle gum problems.
Another perk of leafy greens is that they take some effort to eat. All that chewing increases saliva production, and saliva helps to wash away bacteria that can contribute to gum disease.
Keep in mind, though, that spinach might make your teeth feel weird. That doesn’t mean it’s hurting your teeth, but if you dislike that “spinach teeth” sensation, you may want to brush soon after you eat.
Dairy
Your teeth love all the calcium in dairy products, but your gums can benefit when you consume more milk and cheese. Many dairy products contain a protein called casein, which can neutralize acids that irritate the gums. Try to stick to calcium-rich foods that don’t contain a ton of sugar, such as plain yogurt and milk.
Crunchy Foods
No, we’re not talking about potato chips. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as celery, apples, and carrots, are great for your oral health because they can scrape away food and plaque that gets stuck on your teeth and around your gums. Just like leafy greens, they’re also high in fiber and take some time to chew, which boosts saliva production.
Green Tea
Green tea is one of the healthiest drinks you can choose. It’s loaded with antioxidants, which fight inflammation. Having a cup or two of green tea every day fights one of the types of bacteria in your mouth that can cause your gums to become irritated and inflamed.
Want to avoid gum disease therapy in Upper Arlington? Making a few simple changes to your diet might be the key to keeping your gums in great shape!
About Artistry Smile Center
Dr. Angela Courtney and the rest of the team at Artistry Smile Center are proud to provide comprehensive oral healthcare to folks in the Upper Arlington area. If you have questions about how to care for your gums, please contact our office at 614-451-7393.