4 Important Nutrients that Can Fight Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues, so learning to prevent and manage it properly is one of the most important things you can do to protect your teeth. There’s a lot that you can do to fight oral infection like brushing and flossing, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and visiting your dentist biannually to check in on the state of your oral health.

But there are also a ton of foods that you can incorporate into your diet that can help you stave off gum disease. Here are some important nutrients that can improve your oral health, and some foods that can give them to you.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in fish, nuts, seeds, and some fresh meats, omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. That can help mitigate some of the worst symptoms of gum disease, many of which stem from inflammation. There are more foods than you would think that contain this incredible nutrient, so getting enough of it into your diet shouldn’t be much of a problem.

Vitamin C

This might just be the most famous vitamin that there is; most people are well aware of its important role in fighting off disease. Naturally, that extends to gum disease as well. Citrus fruits are rich in this vitamin, as are some savory fruits, like bell peppers and tomatoes.

Probiotics

Recent studies have uncovered the importance of the gut microbiome (the bacteria that live in the stomach) in how we feel day-to-day, which has made probiotic foods much more popular. As it turns out, the balance of bacteria in the mouth is equally important.

By eating probiotic foods—like yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, and pickles—you can increase the number of good bacteria in the mouth. This counteracts the bad bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay. If working these somewhat unusual foods into your diet sounds a little difficult, there are also probiotic supplements that can improve your body’s microbiome.

Collagen

Your gums are connected to your teeth by the periodontal ligament, which forms an important barrier that prevents bacteria from seeping under the gum line. Collagen is a nutrient found in meat and broth that strengthens this and other ligaments in the body.

The most important thing you can do to prevent gum disease is to get your dental hygiene in order. That said, having a diet that supports oral health can make prevention a little easier. 

About Our Practice

At Edgewood Dental, we’re used to patients thinking that dentistry is about cold, sterile, offices and unfriendly dentists. We aim to change that, by providing high-quality dental care in a calm, comfortable environment. If you aren’t the biggest fan of the dentist, we’d love to change your mind!

If you have any questions about preventing gum disease, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (219) 898-4545.