What foods are good for your gums and teeth?

It is important to keep your appointments with your periodontist,  is critical for the health of your gums. But certain foods also contain health benefits for your gums and teeth.

Consuming foods high in calcium are great for overall bone strength. Not only does it help with the bone strength in your hips, it is great for the strength of your teeth. Some studies have found foods high in dietary calcium may contribute (this doesn’t sound right – please check. Demineralization isn’t a good thing. Does it prevent it?) to demineralization.

“Something else that’s great for gums is green tea,” says Dr. Denine Rice of Rice Periodontics and Implant Surgery in Riverside, CA.  Recent research has found that green tea is great for keeping the bacteria in the mouth reduced.  Further research has found that there is a lower incidence of periodontal disease in men who drink green tea. Also both women and men had a lower incidence of tooth loss when they chose green tea as their beverage of choice. So, sit back and relax and enjoy a great cup of green tea. Skip the sugar though; you don’t want to add that to your teeth - it increases bacteria in the mouth.

Shitakes mushrooms are another healthy choice for your gums. They contain what is called, “lentinan.” This is a natural sugar that is better for your gums and teeth than regular sugar. This substance supports healthy gums and may reduce bleeding, swelling and redness on the gums.

Vitamin C is very important to your gum tissue, too. Although, orange juice is high in vitamin C it also contains a high amount of sugar. So instead of drinking juice, Dr. Rice and her team suggest you stick to healthy fresh fruits such as kiwis and strawberries which are great sources of vitamin C and help to protect the softer gum tissue from breaking down.

“Vegetables that have a higher concentration of water are better for the gums,” adds Dr. Denine Rice. The higher the concentration of water will help remove food from the teeth after eating, especially if you are not able to brush your teeth right away. 

For more information or a consultation on the health of your gums, call Dr. Rice and her team today.