How Diet Affects Gum Health and the Success of Your Dental Treatments
When it comes to keeping your smile healthy, brushing and flossing aren’t the only things you need to do. Your daily diet plays a big role in your gum health in Long Beach, CA. Consuming the proper nutrients can help prevent inflammation and fight infection.
How Nutrition Affects Your Gums
When you consume a diet rich in sugar and acid, it can weaken your gums and increase the risk of disease. Your teeth, and your entire body for that matter, need important vitamins like vitamins C and D, as well as minerals like magnesium and calcium.
The Best Foods for Strong, Healthy Gums
The foods that contain the most vitamins and minerals are leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, crunchy vegetables, dairy products, and fatty fish. These foods will help strengthen your tooth enamel and stimulate saliva (which cleanses your mouth). They are beneficial for your body as well because they help repair body tissue and reduce inflammation.
Foods That Can Harm Your Gums
As you know, you should avoid sugary and starchy foods as much as possible. Foods like candy, soda, and white bread all feed bacteria. They also promote plaque and the acid buildup in your mouth.
Sticky foods like caramels and other foods like popcorn should also be limited because they can get lodged and stuck up in your gum line. Also, highly acidic foods and drinks like coffee, citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, tomatoes), and even sports drinks can erode your tooth enamel and irritate your gums.
Proper Nutrition After Dental Treatments
After having a dental treatment, your dentist in Long Beach, CA, will go over everything you need to know. But until then, here are some of the foods you can eat (if your dentist says so).
Focus on eating a soft-food diet for a few days. Eat things like soups, yogurt, smoothies, purees, mashed potatoes, and other tender foods. Completely avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, spicy, and acidic foods. And, never drink out of a straw or drink hot liquids for a few days after a dental procedure. This will allow for proper healing. And one last thing, make sure you stay hydrated. This is very important!
Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Long Beach, CA?
Healthy gums start from the inside out. By choosing nutrient-rich foods and staying hydrated, you can strengthen your gums and protect your overall oral health. Please contact Andy Tang DDS today to schedule an exam. We will discuss personalized care and tips for lasting gum health.
