The right foods can help to prevent and treat gum disease. 

Gum disease is an infection that contributes to tooth loss and other significant oral health issues. Patients with this disease may experience bleeding gums and chronic bad breath. But with an early diagnosis, appropriate therapies can stop progression of the disease. Part of combating this condition is altering your diet. There are several healthy foods that are good for gum disease and can make this condition more manageable.

Of course, the best defense against gum disease is prevention. You can do this by promoting healthy gums with routine brushing and flossing to remove plaque thoroughly and visiting your Newport Beach dental team for routine preventive cleanings and evaluations. 

Additionally, maintaining a well-balanced diet filled with vitamins, nutrients, and anti-inflammatory foods will help support your immune system and prevent gum disease. 

Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Gum Disease      

Some nutrients are vital in supporting oral health and preventing gum disease. Naturally, they’re also very important for those who have gum disease. Those nutrients are: 

• Omega-3 fatty acids 
• Vitamin C
• Beta carotene 
• Collagen 
• Coenzyme Q10 
• Catechins  

Many of these nutrients are found in everyday foods and can help create a healthy oral biome. Adding these 5 healthy foods will help you incorporate those important nutrients into your diet. There are lots of delicious ways to make use of these foods, so we’ve included a few favorite recipes for you to try.

1. Sweet Potatoes 

Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins A and C, which contribute to keeping your gum tissue supple and moist. Vitamin A also helps promote the formation of your enamel. 

Sweet potatoes are a great addition to any diet because of their versatility. You can eat them fried, baked, steamed, mashed, or boiled. The options are almost endless with this starchy root vegetable. Try this recipe for Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes.  

2. Salmon 

Salmon is one of the top anti-inflammatory foods for gum disease because it is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. This nutrient can help reduce swelling in the gums. 

Fatty fish like salmon are also good sources of protein, a vital nutrient for healing damaged tissue. You can also find vitamins A and D in salmon, which protect the gums from infection and promote calcium absorption and bone growth.   

Mackerel, tuna, and trout are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can contribute to improved overall health. 

3. Dairy Products  

Another group of foods that are good for gum disease is dairy products. These products contain many essential minerals, nutrients, and vitamins that benefit your entire body and can feed the good bacteria in your gut and oral biome. Dairy products, like yogurt, supply necessary nutrients such as: 

• Vitamin D 
• Protein
• Calcium
• Phosphorus

These nutrients support good dental health and strengthen your teeth and bones. One 8-ounce glass of milk has more calcium than 2 cups of broccoli! Some dairy products, like cheese, are high in fat, so you must consume them in moderation.   

4. Almonds 

Like milk, almonds are high in calcium. They are low in sugar and a good source of protein and antioxidants. Additionally, chewing almonds stimulates saliva production and promotes your oral cavity’s natural self-cleansing ability. Saliva helps remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth, contributing to healthy gums. 

There are dozens of ways you can incorporate almonds into your diet, like snacking on raw almonds or adding chopped almonds to your salad. Try this Almond Crusted Chicken to add some new flavors to your diet.     

5. Cinnamon 

One potent spice that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties is cinnamon. It contains cinnamic aldehyde oil, which helps keep your teeth healthy. This oil can kill oral bacteria and can be used in many ways. For example, you can add cinnamon to your warm beverages, or sprinkle it over food.  

Try combining cinnamon with other foods that are good for a healthy mouth, like sweet potatoes, and make Cinnamon Honey Sweet Potatoes! 

Avoid these foods to protect your gums. 

To keep your gums healthy, avoid sugary foods and drinks. Bacteria thrive on this sugar content, worsening gum disease. These types of food also create a higher risk of cavities. Another surprising food to limit or avoid is anything with carbohydrates, such as bread and crackers. These foods sit on your teeth and break down into sugars, giving unhealthy bacteria the perfect breeding ground.

Improve your oral health with Luminous Smiles.

By regularly incorporating anti-inflammatory foods that are good for gum disease into your diet, you can improve or prevent this condition as well as take care of your body overall.

Luminous Smiles is committed to helping you achieve and maintain your gum and oral health. We proudly provide comprehensive luxury dental care in Newport Beach, California, backed by outstanding accreditation by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Whether you need to schedule a routine professional cleaning or have more questions about foods that are good for gum disease, call Luminous Smiles today!