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Do you know that 75% of individuals in the United States have some form of gum disease and 42% of adults over 30 show signs of gum disease? That’s a huge number! Have you ever thought what you eat affects more than just your waistline? While most of us focus on brushing and flossing to keep our teeth healthy, few people know the link between diet and periodontal diseases.
If you’re suffering from gum problems, it’s possible that your food is to blame rather than your dental hygiene. Understanding the connection between diet and periodontal diseases can be the secret to resolving this widespread yet frequently overlooked issue.
Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections of the gums, ligaments, and bones supporting teeth. The two most prevalent types are gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) and periodontitis(a serious condition that can result in tooth loss).
Symptoms like bleeding, swollen gums, foul smell, and sensitive teeth are common indicators of early gum disease.
According to recent research, untreated gum disease can cause systemic problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Gum disease is commonly caused by plaque accumulation due to poor dental care. However, an emerging amount of data suggests that what we eat substantially impacts the onset and progression of periodontal disease. Therefore, pondering the link between diet and periodontal diseases is imperative.
Our diet impacts many aspects of our health, including dental health. Certain nutrients help keep gum healthy, while others stimulate the growth of dangerous germs. Knowing the clear connection between diet and periodontal diseases can help you make informed decisions that can help prevent severe gum infections.
First, we will discuss foods that harm periodontal health. These are the foods you must limit or avoid to achieve optimal periodontal health:
A high-sugar, refined-carbohydrate diet is a major enemy of healthy gums. Sugary foods such as sweets, cookies, and soda stimulate dangerous bacteria in the oral cavity. Sugars interact with microorganisms in your mouth to produce acids that erode enamel and irritate the gums.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, those who eat sugary foods are more prone to develop plaque, a sticky, bacteria-filled film that forms on the teeth and can cause gum disease. When this plaque is not eliminated via adequate dental care, it hardens into tartar, causing gum irritation and potentially progressing to periodontitis, a more serious and deadly gum disease.
Furthermore, refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, spaghetti, and pastries, degrade into sugars in the mouth, feeding the same bacteria. They are also major culprits in the negative link between diet and periodontal disease.
Processed foods that are abundant in harmful fats, carbohydrates, and artificial ingredients can aggravate gum disease. Many processed foods, such as snacks, chips, and fast food, also lack important micronutrients required to maintain healthy gums. These foods can impair the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Research published in the Journal of Periodontology discovered that those who eat a lot of processed foods suffer from gingivitis and a severe form of gum disease than those who eat healthy foods.
Acidic beverages, including soft drinks, energy drinks, and even some fruit juices, can damage tooth enamel and irritate gums, increasing the risk of a negative association between diet and periodontal disease.
Furthermore, drinks such as soda contain both acids and high levels of sugar, producing an ideal habitat for dangerous bacteria to grow. These bacteria can penetrate gum pockets, causing inflammation, edema, and gum disease. So this is double trouble!
There is also a positive association between diet and periodontal disease. Although some foods can irritate your gums, others have beneficial properties that promote dental health. Eating foods rich in these nutrients can help prevent and reverse the early stages of gum disease.
Antioxidants present in foods such as berries, leafy green vegetables and some nuts are essential for gum health. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that helps strengthen blood vessels and connective tissue in the gums, lowering the risk of inflammation. This vitamin promotes collagen formation, which is necessary for keeping gums strong and healthy, and its deficiency can lead to scurvy. All these protective qualities are mentioned in various research, including the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
Oranges, strawberries, and kiwis, as well as broccoli and spinach, contain high levels of micronutrients and beneficial antioxidants. Adding these fruits and vegetables to your daily diet plan will help neutralize damaging free radicals that promote inflammation.
There is a positive link between an omega-3 fatty acid diet and periodontitis. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as various fish like salmon, mackerel, etc., and flaxseeds, have clinically proven anti-inflammatory properties that are excellent for periodontitis.
According to research conducted by Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health, omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, present in fatty fish, have been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of periodontitis. The study found that people who ate higher levels of DHA reported a substantial reduction in gum disease, with a 20% drop in risk. Isn’t it amazing?
Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids not only lower gum inflammation but also assist the immune system in combating germs that cause gum infections.
Calcium and vitamin D are commonly associated with bone health, but they are also essential for gum health. Calcium strengthens the bones that support teeth, while vitamin D allows the body to absorb calcium properly. Deficiency of these nutrients can weaken the jawbone, making it more prone to infection and tooth loss, which can even change your face shape! A 2022 review published in the Dentistry Journal shows a beneficial connection between a calcium diet and periodontitis.
Calcium is abundant in dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, while vitamin D can be gained from sunshine and fortified foods such as orange juice and cereals.
Now you know the link between diet and periodontal diseases is clear-cut. What you consume has a significant impact on your dental health. You can dramatically minimize the risk of periodontitis by eliminating sugary and acidic foods and committing to only a healthy diet.
If you’re experiencing gum problems or fear you are having periodontitis, you should seek expert help. A gum health expert in NJ can provide individualized advice and treatment choices to help you manage and prevent periodontal disease. The best dentists in NJ will treat your disease and educate you on diet and periodontitis.
Take the wise decision toward optimal dental health with Hesed Dental, your trusted gum health expert in NJ.
Do you have a toothache or think you may need a root canal? Call or find us online for a convenient appointment at Hesed Dental Clinic. Our skilled, professional staff is ready to gently and efficiently treat your dental issues. We are located at 543 Gorge Road, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010. We look forward to helping you restore optimal dental health and a natural, beautiful, pain-free smile.
Hesed Dental 543 Gorge Road Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
201 941 8877