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Gum disease is one of the most common oral pathologies Americans face. However, a good oral hygiene and a healthy diet is all it takes to ensure that you don’t need to visit a periodontist in Pembroke Pines anytime soon.

A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help lower inflammation and boost the immune system. If you’ve received a gingivitis diagnosis from a periodontist or just want to keep your teeth in top condition, here are some foods that will help your body—and gums—healthy.

5 Things to Eat for Healthier Gums

1. Fatty Food Rich in Omega-3

Fish, such as salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3 fatty acids are critical for the health and function of the brain and are potent anti-inflammatory agents that boost immunity and lessen the damaging effects of gum disease.

The same goes for nuts and seeds, which are filled with omega-3 fatty acids. It’s important to be extra careful with these foods, though, as the nut’s hardness or the fish’s spine can damage the gum tissues.

2. Milk and Cheese

Important antibacterial enzymes found in dairy products coat teeth and aid in the reduction of oral bacteria. That’s why a glass of milk, a cup of yogurt, or a slice of cheese is a healthy snack or beverage that can help shield your teeth.

3. Fermented Foods

Just like your intestine, your mouth is full of healthy microorganisms that help digest food and promote oral health. These are called probiotics. If your probiotics are damaged, dangerous bacteria have more chances to grow and lead to infections, so maintain the balance of natural flora in the mouth.

To do so, fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir are crucial. By keeping the numbers of dangerous bacteria in your mouth under control, these beneficial bacteria also help to maintain the health of your gums.

4. Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are an incredible source of vitamins, nutrients and minerals that boost the immune system, help reduce inflammation, and promote healing, such as vitamin C and beta carotene.

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is essential for improving your diet and obtaining a wide variety of nutrients. To do so, try to eat as many different colors of produce as you can.

5. Shiitake Mushrooms

Not only do shiitake mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties, but they also contain a lentinan called polysaccharide, which targets the strain of bacteria that causes gum disease.

So, if you have gum disease, this type of mushroom can be a game changer.

Bonus: Water

In addition to these foods, drinking enough amounts of water is crucial to combating gum disease. Drinking water helps flush bacteria out of the mouth, promoting healthier gums and making seeing a periodontal dentist less of a necessity.

Find a Periodontist in Pembroke Pines

An unhealthy diet can be the source of numerous diseases, not only in the mouth. Sugary foods and processed carbohydrates are incredible breeding grounds for bacteria and help make any infection worse.

So, to prevent gum disease and help maintain your body’s overall health, keep a balanced diet filled with necessary nutrients. And if you’d like to learn more on how to take care of your gums, give us a call!