You probably know that brushing and flossing twice a day for at least two minutes plus routine dental checkups are key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, did you know that there are certain foods you can eat that are an excellent tool in fighting gum disease?
Here are some tasty options:
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in catechins which is a key ingredient to be found in numerous studies to help with the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties have proven to be helpful in the treatment of periodontal disease. You can read more about those studies here.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is rich in collagen and collagen helps promote healing of receding gums which is one of the side effects of periodontal disease. These can be enjoyed in soup recipes by simply swapping your traditional broth for bone broth, adding to sauces or simply drinking on its own. Here is a delicious bone broth recipe to try and can make easily in your Instant Pot, slow cooker, or in a stockpot on the stove.
Salmon or Fatty Fish, Nuts and Seeds
Fatty Fish like Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids. There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: ALA, DHA, and EPA. ALA is found in a variety of nuts and seeds while DHA and EPA are primarily found in fish. Studies have shown that omega-3s can drastically reduce the signs of periodontal disease. A diet rich in omega-3s can help maintain gum health.
Great snacks to grab that are high in Omega-3s:
- Pistachios
- Macadamia nuts
- Walnuts
- Flaxseeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Peanuts
- Hazelnuts
So grab a handful of nuts as a snack and enjoy the benefits!
Foods that contain Probiotics
These foods help maintain good bacteria in your mouth and assist in reducing plaque buildup on your teeth which is what contributes to gingivitis and gum disease.
Foods with probiotics are:
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Kefir
Red and Green Bell Peppers and Broccoli
Didn’t your mom always say to eat your veggies? She was right! These vegetables are packed with vitamin C which helps fight gum disease. They also contain vitamin B1, niacin, magnesium, iron, calcium and selenium which also are strong periodontitis fighters. Also eating raw vegetables is a great way to clean your teeth in the middle of the day since it helps remove plaque while chewing.
If you have gum disease or you are looking to take more preventative action these food choices can help you fight or ward off one of the main causes of tooth loss.
Need a dental care home? We would love to have you connect with our office!