What’s Good For Gums
Did you know that your food choices can dictate the health of your gums?
What is your lifestyle where food is concerned? Are you a high-carb eater, or are you a weight-watcher, hence more on a protein diet? You may be vegan or a vegetarian on the other hand. But where the health of your gums are at stake, did you know that there’s a diet that lowers your risk for gum disease? Studies have shown that consuming dairy products with lactic acid like milk, yogurt and cheese, had a lower risk for gum disease.
Studies have shown that consuming 55 grams or more of yogurt or lactic acid drinks on a daily basis can significantly lower the incidence of periodontal disease. However, though milk and cheese, which are also dairy, can be beneficial to gum health, they are not as good as yogurt or lactic acid drinks.
Yogurt is fermented milk product, manufactured by fermenting milk with lactic acid bacteria. It has a small percentage of alcohol and yeast is also added. Lactic drinks are further processed into drink type products by adding sugar and sometimes flavors to fermented milk. They are available as lactic drinks (example: Yakult) and pasteurized lactic drinks (example: Calpis). In theory, the probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus, seemed to be related to healthy gums. Fermented milk drinks are Japan’s unique products and seldom seen elsewhere.
Did you know that drinking green tea may also lead to healthier gums?
Some studies also showed that the antioxidants in green tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Those who drink tea also take black tea to help suppress growth of bacteria that cause cavities and produce acids in the mouth.
We all know the connection between dietary Vitamin C and healthy gums. Research shows that fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and many other fruits and vegetables, contribute to healthier gums.
So if you are concerned with the health of your gums, be sure to store up on the above-mentioned foods to keep gums, literally, in the pink of health.
Oral Health Advice by our Lynnwood Dentist
Here at Lynnwood Song Dental, we regard the health of your gums as essential to the health of your teeth. See us for a consult regarding care and treatment for periodontal conditions.
