Our gums are vitally important for our oral health, and while we have previously wrote about some things you should avoid to keep your mouth healthy, it can be hard to find replacements.
You can’t avoid eating and drinking, but it can be hard to keep track of what the best foods for your teeth are. Some food is better than others for your gums, that’s a given, but you may be surprised which food is the best for your gums. So, without further ado, here are the top five foods for healthy gums:
5. Dairy Products
This one should be obvious to most of us, milk and other diary products are great for both healthy strong teeth and healthy gums. They’re rich in calcium, and in addition to that they make your mouth less acidic from other foods or drinks. If you’re lactose intolerant, you should consider lactose free brands or other calcium rich foods. You should still avoid high sugar foods even if they contain diary (sorry, that means most ice cream). Moderation is key, but diary should be an important part of your diet overall.
4. Ginger Root
Ginger has often been considered a healing product, and this is also true for your gums. Ginger root is anti-inflammatory and this helps ensure healthy tissue in your mouth. Ginger can help prevent your gums from bleeding, which also helps prevent infections. Ginger has also been used for hundreds of years in East Asian medicine and should be available at your local supermarket.
3. Apples
We’ve all heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but what about “An apple a day keeps the dentist away”? Apples are rich in antioxidants, which protect your gums from bacterial infections. In addition, the slow process it takes to eat an apple actually can help clean your mouth by unlodging other things. Just remember, you should brush your teeth and use mouthwash after eating one!
2. Kale
Kale is often times called a “super food” by some, and while it won’t magically fix all your dental issues, kale is very rich in Vitamin C, which is essential for gum health. Vitamin C also helps fight inflammation and periodontal disease. Kale is also high in Calcium, which means it helps build enamel. If you have difficulty eating kale and other leafy greens you can try making a smoothie out of them with some fruits.
1. Onions
This one is probably surprising to some of you, I know what you’re thinking: “Onions cause bad breath though, don’t they?”, and that is true, but if you ignore the temporary bad breath, onions are actually important for healthy gum tissue. When you eat a raw onion, it actually has strong antibacterial abilities that help fight the bacteria that causes gum disease and cavities. Just remember to brush your teeth, floss, and use mouth wash after!
