More than half of Americans live with some form of gum disease. While these infections can be easily treated and reversed when they are in the early stage of gingivitis, they can cause permanent damage to the gums, tooth loss, and even dangerous secondary infections like sepsis if allowed to progress to periodontitis. Luckily, some foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to fight gum disease. Here’s a brief list of foods that can help keep your gums pink and healthy.
Fatty Fish Like Salmon
Many people take special pleasure in eating seafood, and fatty fish like herring, salmon, and mackerel are rich in nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. The oil they contain gives them anti-inflammatory properties and helps bolster the immune system, making them great for people who need a little help with fighting off gum disease.
Grass-Fed Beef
Grass-fed beef is rich in collagen, a protein that plays a crucial part in the skin and other connective tissues like the gums. It also contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids that help fight infections and inflammation. If you’re looking to enjoy a steak or a burger while dealing with gum disease, consider choosing grass-fed beef, as the grain-fed varieties can be heavy on omega-6s, antibiotics, and other substances that can contribute to inflammation.
Bell Peppers
Red and green bell peppers are tasty additions to many savory dishes, and they are high in vitamin C, a nutrient that helps fight gum disease. In fact, just one cup of red bell pepper contains more than three times the amount of your recommended daily vitamin C intake. A cup of green bell peppers will deliver twice this daily recommended amount, making it a great choice as well.
Maintaining a healthy diet can work wonders for combatting gum disease. By taking care to enjoy nutritious foods with anti-inflammatory properties while practicing excellent oral hygiene, you may reverse and eliminate gum disease in its early stages. While these foods will help you heal from periodontitis, this stage of gum disease will require the intervention of a dental professional to be resolved.
About the Practice
Flenniken Family Dentistry provides the finest dental services available to the community of Carlisle, PA. Led by Drs. Neil Flenniken, Suzan Rismani-Flenniken, Joseph Olivetti, Marvin Berger, and Stephen Capiotis, the staff ensures that each patient receives personalized and compassionate care as well as courteous customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry such as periodontal treatments. To learn more about treating gum disease, contact the office online or dial (717) 249-7777.
