Foods and Habits That Affect Your Gums Every Day
If you have discovered that you have receding gums and you know that this is a possible sign of gum disease, you may be wondering about how to strengthen gums naturally. The truth is that it is not difficult, but you need to keep practicing these tips for healthy teeth and gums.
Gums Do Not Grow Back
Gum disease can lead to receding gums, which will eventually lead to exposing the roots of your teeth. The roots, which do not have the same amount of enamel on them as the crown, will develop cavities much faster. Your gums will not regrow your gums once they have receded. The dentist has two options to protect your roots: filling in the cavity and then protecting it with composite material, or gum grafting. To strengthen your gums, there are some things you need to do.
- Brush Your Teeth
This is one of the best things you can do to help keep your gums healthy. Without it, the bacteria will build up on your teeth and you will end up with cavities and gum disease before long. When brushing your teeth, use a soft bristle toothbrush to prevent wearing your gums away. You also want to brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
When gum disease starts it is called gingivitis. You can usually get rid of it with regular brushing and flossing. Once it becomes periodontitis, it will take the help of a dentist to get rid of it because the inflammation and bacteria have moved into your gums. Once there, it will erode your gums, the ligaments that support your teeth, and even your jawbone.
- Eat the Right Foods
- Apples – They are an excellent food to strengthen your teeth and gums. The hardness of the apple will scrape off more of the plaque and acid with every bite. Be sure to rinse your mouth out with water after you are finished since apples have their own acid.
- Leafy Greens – Various leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale have a lot of vitamins in them. For your gums and teeth, one of the most important is vitamin C, which will reduce inflammation and increase your red blood cells. For the best results, you need to eat them raw. Put them on a salad, or use on a sandwich or in soup. You can also cook them.
- Green Tea – This tea has been used for centuries because of its anti-oxidant powers. Green tea helps fight inflammation in your gums and in your body, which is what you need to fight gum disease. For best results, drink it without sugar.
- Onions – Although not a popular food for a date, onions contain an antimicrobial action that kills the harmful bacteria. You need to eat the onion raw, and you can put it on top of a salad, a soup, chili, or on a burger.
- Eat Food Rich in Polyphenols and Anthocyanins
Natural foods that contain these valuable ingredients will help protect your gums from gum disease. They can help prevent the bacteria from attaching to your teeth (anthocyanins), and will also help to slow the growth rate (polyphenols) of the bacteria that damage your teeth and gums. These foods include grapes, plums, berries, cherries, and eggplant. Tea and cocoa contain polyphenols.
- Reduce Sugary Foods
Sugar is the enemy of your teeth and gums. The bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease feeds on sugar. When it does, it produces acid. The acid is what causes cavities and it also irritates the gums, leading to an immune reaction that can lead to periodontitis. As it gets worse, it can lead to loose teeth and some may even fall out.
Sugary drinks especially include sodas, fruit juice, and specialty coffees. Some of them contain as much as nine teaspoons of sugar. Sipping on sugary drinks over a long period of time through the day will expose your teeth to a lot more acid. Drinking ordinary water is a much healthier option.
Sugary foods include cakes, donuts, breads, cookies, candy, and more. Potato chips and pretzels are also in this category because they turn to sugar in your mouth. When sugary foods are going to be served, it is better to serve them with a meal, and then brush your teeth afterward.
- Avoid Sticky Foods
Foods that will stick to your teeth can cause gum problems because they enable the bacteria to put acid right on your teeth longer. Your saliva will not wash away the sticky mass as easily, leading to cavities sooner. Sticky foods include jelly beans, caramel, raisins, oatmeal, peanut butter, honey, and more.
If you want to reduce your risk of gum disease and help them stay healthy, the natural remedies for receding gums will help you. If you need receding gums treatment, or treatment for gum disease, Dr. Kumar T. Vadivel, DDS, FDS RCS, MS MBA, a Board Certified Periodontist can help you. He can also provide periodontal disease treatment for those who already have advanced gum disease. Visit his Tooth HQ office today – Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Mockingbird/SMU, Grapevine , Dallas Fort Worth, Northern Texas
