Over half of Americans have some form of gum disease (also called periodontal disease). Fortunately, if you catch your gum disease early enough you can stop the progression and reverse damage.
Gum disease is difficult to treat and reverse without accurate information and much of what most people have been told actually does more harm than good.
It’s time to set the record straight.
You can only stop the progression of gum disease with a combination approach including three essential elements:
- A gum disease fighting diet
- Professional care
- Proper oral hygiene
Food that Should Be a Part of Your Diet
- Cheese: Who doesn’t love cheese, right? And now you another reason to crave for it. A study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the journal of the American Academy of General Dentistry, showed that eating cheese raises the pH level of your mouth, which in turn reduces the chances of tooth decay. Eating cheese requires chewing, which increases the saliva in the mouth, Cheese contains calcium and protein, two of the most important nutrients for the tooth enamel.
- Yogurt: Just like the cheese, yogurt is also rich in calcium and protein, and helps in strengthening the teeth and improve health. The bacteria found in it help the gums by eliminating bacteria that cause cavities. Just make sure that you buy plain yogurt that contains zero sugar.
- Leafy Greens: Doesn’t matter how hard you try to run from them, green vegetables will always find their way onto the list of healthy foods. Vegetables like spinach and kale are known to improve oral health. They are high in calcium, contain folic acid and a type of Vitamin B that has numerous health benefits, including improving gum health in pregnant women, say experts at Revitalizing Smiles. If you don’t like the taste, then add some of it in your salad or you can even prepare a smoothie.
- Apple: An apple a day can not only keep the doctor away, it can also keep the dentist at bay! Apple is high in fiber and water content. Eating apple produces saliva in your mouth that rinses away bacteria and food particles, while the fiber helps to stimulate the gums.
- Almonds: Almonds are a good source of protein and calcium, which makes them good for your teeth. They are also low in sugar and should be a part of your daily diet. You can also include them in your salads.
Minor changes to your daily diet can go a long way in ensuring that your teeth and gums stay healthy.
