6 Foods That Help Prevent Gum Disease

About 50% of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease. Luckily, when caught early, this serious oral health concern can be stopped and even reversed. With the help of good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and some lifestyle changes, you should be able to fight off gum disease and prolong the life of your smile. If you’re looking to change your diet to support your oral health, here are 6 foods that can help prevent gum disease.

1. Fresh Fruits & Veggies

The crunch and fiber from fresh fruits and vegetables can lower your risk of plaque buildup and keep your teeth cleaner. 

They are full of essential vitamins and nutrients that boost and support your immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties. Some particularly helpful produce is bell peppers and shiitake mushrooms. Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, and shiitake mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory properties and a polysaccharide called lentinan which specifically attacks a strain of bacteria usually responsible for gum disease.

2. Yogurt & Other Dairy Products

Probiotics and calcium are beneficial to your oral health. Milk and cheese are full of essential calcium. Yogurt and other probiotics encourage healthy bacteria in your body which reduce gingivitis and plaque buildup, fortifying your teeth against gum disease.

3. Nuts and Seeds

They are essential to a nutrient-rich, balanced diet. Eating nuts that are low in sugar and high in fiber and minerals like calcium, such as almonds, encourages healthy gums. Nuts and seeds that are high in omega-3s, including pistachios, macadamia nuts, and sesame seeds, have anti-inflammatory properties to reverse gum disease.

4. Fatty Fish

Fatty or oily fish, such as herring, mackerel, or salmon, are excellent sources of omega-3s. You might have heard of fish oil pills to supplement omega-3, which helps build and maintain a healthy body. Fatty fish also have anti-inflammatory properties and boost your immune system.

5. Grass-fed Beef

Grass-fed beef has collagen and high omega-3s, both of which combat gum disease and reduce inflammation. Grain-fed beef can actually have inflammatory disease-causing elements.

6. Cacao

Cacao contains a lot of catechins, which inhibit gum disease and combat plaque, tooth decay, and cavities. A compound called CBH found in cacao hardens enamel. A low-sugar variety of raw chocolate of up to 70% or higher can be very beneficial to your gum health.

About the Practice

Pace Dental of Vienna has been keeping smiles healthy since 1991. Dr. Ahmed Saad and Dr. Olga provide comfortable, essential, and effective dentistry so your teeth can remain healthy. From routine cleaning to oral cancer screenings to fluoride treatments, Pace Dental of Vienna is determined to protect your smile and catch the earliest signs of any problems so you can show off those pearly whites for years to come! If you are interested in learning how to protect yourself from gum disease, contact the Pace Dental of Vienna team through their website or by phone at (703) 938-6800.