What to Eat if You Have Gum Disease

If you have gum disease, starting treatment with a qualified periodontist in Decantur, AL, right away is crucial to restoring your oral health and avoiding tooth loss. However, your daily habits, including your diet, play a big part in your recovery. 

Eating healthily can quicken your recovery and reduce the chances of your gum disease getting any worse. If you want to know how to do that, here’s what you need to consider.  

Best Foods to Eat if You Have Gum Disease

1. Nuts and Seeds High in Omega-3s

Pistachios, sesame seeds, and macadamia nuts are great options. Omega-3s, which are anti-inflammatory, can help stop gum disease in its tracks and lessen infection. 

According to one study, gum disease and omega-3 intake are inversely related. 

2. Fatty Fish

Fish is another food that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly spiced fish like mackerel and salmon. Consuming them on a regular basis can help repair the damage done to your gum tissues and improve gum health. 

3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Co-enzyme, an antioxidant present in all bodily tissues and essential for healthy cell function, can be found in foods such as organ meats, spinach, and broccoli. Studies have shown that those who consume enough CoQ10 have a lower risk of developing gum disease. 

Furthermore, research indicates that eating foods like these raises your levels of CoQ10, which accumulates in your gums if you have gum disease. This slows the advancement of periodontal inflammation and promotes healing. 

4. Collagen

Your gums will reorganize their tissue composition to manage inflammation when you have gum disease. This causes collagen degradation. You will need to eat foods high in collagen and support tissue repair to fight this. 

Some collagen-rich food sources include chicken, bone broth, gelatin, and small, whole fish. 

5. Probiotics

Probiotics from fermented dairy products, such as sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi, are good for gum health. Probiotics create antibacterial compounds to combat some cavity-causing bacteria, change the pH of the mouth to prevent cavities from growing and help strengthen your mouth’s general immunity. 

6. Catechins

Because they inhibit harmful bacteria and reduce gum inflammation, disease-fighting phenols and antioxidants called catechins have been shown to be effective in the treatment of gum disease. 

Apples, blackberries, dark chocolate, red wine, and cherries are a few examples of foods high in catechins. 

7. Cacao

Additionally, cacao is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which prevent gum disease.  

Due to its ability to combat cavities, plaque, and tooth decay, cacao is generally excellent for your teeth. Compounds in cacao are more effective at fighting tooth decay than fluoride. Additionally, a substance called CBH found in cacao hardens enamel.  

Choose raw cacao that is at least 70% cacao if you want to consume cacao that is healthy for you and not overly sweet. Moreover, search for a low sugar content. 

Learn From a Qualified Periodontist in Decantur, AL

Besides periodontal therapy, a healthy diet can greatly contribute to your dental health. Remember to combine a diet that prevents gum disease with good oral hygiene. Gum health depends on both gentle brushing and routine dental care. 

And if you have any remaining doubts, give us a call! Here at Terry Family Dentistry, we’re always ready to help you.