Do you find yourself constantly battling gum issues such as bleeding, swelling, or tenderness? The key to maintaining optimal gum health may be found in the foods you eat. While brushing, flossing, and necessary gum disease treatment in Edmond, OK, can keep your smile healthy, incorporating green foods into your diet can also play a significant role in improving gum health.
From leafy greens like spinach and kale to crunchy vegetables like broccoli and cucumbers, these green foods are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that can help strengthen your gums and prevent gum disease. In this blog post, Dr. Brian Howell chronicles some of the best green foods for gum health and how you can easily incorporate them into your daily diet for a healthier smile.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are powerhouse foods for gum health primarily due to their high vitamin C and calcium content. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that boosts the production of red blood cells and reduces inflammation, which can help in reducing gum swelling and bleeding. Additionally, vitamin C increases the production of collagen, a vital protein that helps in repairing and maintaining gums and teeth.
Calcium is well-known for its role in bolstering teeth and bone density, making leafy greens a potent ally in fighting against gum disease and tooth decay. Incorporating these nutrient-rich vegetables into your diet not only supports your overall health but significantly contributes to the maintenance of strong and healthy gums.
Broccoli
Along with leafy greens, broccoli stands out as an exceptional green food for dental health, primarily due to its high Vitamin C and calcium content. Furthermore, the act of chewing raw, fibrous broccoli has a natural cleaning effect that can help physically remove plaque, making it not just nutritious but also beneficial for maintaining oral hygiene.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are an excellent addition to your diet when it comes to gum health. Primarily, this crunchy vegetable is composed of water, which helps to hydrate your mouth and stimulate saliva production. In a nutshell, saliva is necessary for washing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids that can damage your teeth and gums.
Cucumbers are also rich in fiber, which helps to scrub away plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Additionally, they contain vitamin C. Overall, cucumbers are a cooling, delicious, and easy way to improve your oral health and maintain healthy gums.
Green Tea
While many have heard rumors swirling around about how green tea helps with weight loss, improves skin health, and lowers the risk of heart disease, did you know that this beautiful beverage is also great for your gums?
Green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins that reduce inflammation and fight against bacteria that cause gum disease. Also, it promotes the attachment of gums to teeth, reducing the risk of periodontal disease. The polyphenols in green tea also reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, improving oral health. Thus, drinking green tea regularly can significantly improve overall wellness.
Get Great Gums with Gum Disease Treatment in Edmond, OK
While preventative treatment through the proper diet and regular dental cleanings is ideal, sometimes, our gums fall short. In fact, nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease–and the likelihood of contracting this irreversible disease increases with age. In cases like these, our proven gum disease treatment in Edmond, OK, can save your smile. Learn how to get your gums on the right track by contacting Eagle Dental today.
