Four Foods to Eat That Can Help You Avoid Gum Disease Treatment in Orlando, FL

Most everyone knows that a diet too rich in sugars and starches is not good for you, especially for your teeth and gums. Those starchy or sugary foods we love are also loved by the bacteria in our mouths that can cause tooth decay and gum disease, which in turn can mean you’ll have to seek out gum disease treatment in Orlando, FL.

But did you also know that eating a variety of wholesome foods from all the food groups promotes healthy teeth and gums? Maintaining a balanced diet of fruits, grains, vegetables, and proteins can keep not only your smile healthy but your whole body as well! Here, we’ll look at a few foods from a few categories that are delicious and that promote healthy teeth and gums.

Chocolate. Yes, Chocolate!
You might not think that chocolate promotes oral health, given that it’s often associated with the exact opposite. But in fact, this snack favorite without added sugar can help prevent cavities by keeping certain oral bacteria in check and stopping the plaque from forming on teeth. A recent study showed that certain chemicals found in chocolate, called polyphenols, successfully kill cavity-causing bacteria and create a barrier between teeth and plaque. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should stock up on candy bars — you’ll want to stick to cacao nibs or dark chocolate with very little to no sugar, as eating too much of the average chocolate bar can lead to you having to seek out gum disease treatment in Orlando, FL.

Eat Your Spinach
Leafy greens are rich in calcium, folic acid, and many important vitamins and minerals that your teeth and gums love. And they’re not the only ones that love them — the good bacteria in your mouth do, too! Leafy greens help the mouth produce more nitrite-reducing bacteria and also actively support a healthier oral microbiome. Eating crunchy fresh greens can help clean your teeth, too. It’s best to choose darker greens because they’re also high in minerals that help keep your teeth strong. Good examples of these include kale, spinach, turnip greens, Swiss chard, and arugula.

Citrus Fruits
Even though many citrus fruits are high in acid, eating grapefruit, oranges, and other such fruits in moderation can be beneficial to oral health. That’s because both grapefruit and oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, which strengthens the blood vessels and connective tissues within the mouth. This, in turn, can slow the progression of gum inflammation that could otherwise lead to gum disease treatment.

Go Nuts
Nuts are packed with lots of essential nutrients, like calcium and phosphorus, that promote healthy teeth and gums. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews are especially beneficial because they help fight the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Cashews are also known to stimulate saliva, which wards off tooth decay, and walnuts contain fiber, folic acid, iron, thiamine, magnesium, and much more — all of which can help to keep your mouth healthy and happy.

If you’re in need of gum disease treatment in Orlando, FL, we’re here to help, so get in touch today!