But first, here is the run down on what most people don’t know about their oral health.
Gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss. Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease and is difficult to treat. Sore and bleeding gums may be an early indication of periodontal disease and should be taken care of right away.
Periodontitis fast facts
- Periodontitis is when the gum disease has been left untreated as gingivitis and has become more severe.
- Periodontitis can lead to bone loss under teeth as well as teeth themselves.
- Treatments are often required by a trained periodontist.
- Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Puss between teeth and gums
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Permanent teeth becomes loose
Take baby steps.
A visit to your dentist is the first step. Adding certain foods to your diet also can help speed the healing process and improve the health of your gums. Continuing to eat these foods after your gums heal may help prevent future mouth problems as well.
Get all your vitamin intakes, especially vitamin C.
Vitamin C helps encourage healing and maintenance of healthy gum tissues. Your gums can become inflamed and begin to bleed if you are deficient of this vitamin. Oranges are a top source of vitamin C and adding one a day will help provide enough of this essential vitamin to heal your gums.
Crunchy Fruits and Veggies are Nature’s Toothbrush.
Munching on raw veggies like apples, carrots, celery, green bell peppers, and cucumbers can stimulate circulation in your gums and encourage bacteria-flushing saliva. Their natural fiber “scrubs” teeth naturally. Establish healthy gum habits by eating more fruits and vegetables every day. Eating an apple as dessert after lunch will help to remove material that has adhered to the surface of your teeth. Plus, apples contain naturally occurring xylitol. This is what we call nature’s toothbrush
Eat, move, swim and live…better.
Fatty fish such as cod, salmon, tuna, trout, sardines and herring provide protein and essential fatty acids known as omega-3. One study published in 2010 in the “Journal of American Dietetic Association” observed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on periodontitis. The study found that higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with a reduced risk for gum disease. The protein found in fatty fish may also support a healthy immune system and fight off infection.
Restore your smile with confidence after setting healthy eating habits with these ingredients. Incorporate them into your ingredient list and by the time you realize you need a dental checkup, you’re set for another 6 months of healthy gums!
