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What Foods Do Your Gums Need?

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Did you know that there are foods that can strengthen and support your gums? Your gums support your teeth, protect the bone material in the mouth, and ward off the oral bacteria that cause gum disease. For a beautiful smile, you can boost your gum healthy by eating the foods they need to thrive.

Leafy Greens: Kale and spinach are two leafy greens that give your gums the healthy vitamins and minerals they need. These greens also supply vitamin C, which supports your gum health by boosting the production of red blood cells and lessens gum inflammation. Even just the chewing action of these greens stimulates saliva levels. Saliva is key to healthy gums because it removes oral bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Incorporate leafy greens into your salads, cooked side dishes, garnishing sandwiches and chopping them up into soups.

Other sources of vitamin C include peppers of all colors and of course, citrus fruits. Kiwis, oranges, pineapples, and strawberries are rich sources of this anti-inflammatory vitamin. You can eat them as is or use them in smoothies and salads.

Dairy: Calcium which is found in dairy provides a valuable protein known as casein. This protein can neutralize the acids in the mouth created by oral bacteria. Left alone, these acids will attack your gums and leave you with irritation and inflammation. Incorporate casein into your diet by eating yogurt, cheese, and drinking milk.

Fresh Vegetables: Chewing crunchy apples, celery, and carrots loosen plaque from between teeth and around your gums. This will help your mouth remain fresher in between brushing. High in fiber, these foods require lots of chewing, and chewing stimulates saliva levels. Saliva flushes bacteria from the gumline which benefits your gums.

Our Salina Creek Dental team in Salina, Utah is excited to help you create your healthiest smile. To schedule a visit with Dr. Barry Sorenson please give us a call at 435-529-1000 today!