Foods You Should Eat for Healthy Gums and Teeth
Beyond brushing your teeth, your diet also plays an important role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Choosing foods rich in vitamins and minerals can naturally strengthen your teeth and support gum health, which is particularly important for those requiring orthodontic treatment. From calcium-packed dairy to crunchy fruits and vegetables, discover how simple dietary choices can help prevent decay, reduce inflammation, and keep your mouth in top shape.
Why Should You Keep Your Gums Healthy?
Keeping your gums healthy is essential for your overall oral health and has specific benefits when it comes to orthodontics. Healthy gums provide a strong foundation for your teeth, helping them stay securely in place; this stability is crucial for orthodontic treatments like braces and aligners, which rely on the surrounding tissues to gradually move teeth into better alignment. Inflamed or infected gums can hinder this process, potentially leading to longer treatment times or even complicating orthodontic adjustments.
Additionally, gum health impacts the risk of developing periodontal disease, a common condition that can lead to bone loss around the teeth. This is particularly concerning for those with braces, as inflamed gums and weakened bone structure can make teeth less stable and increase the risk of relapse after orthodontic treatment.
In cases of very poor gum and general oral health, starting orthodontic treatment may be delayed until the issues have been rectified.
What Food Should You Avoid If You Have Braces?
You should avoid particular foods whilst receiving orthodontic treatment with braces, helping to protect your brackets and wires and prevent decay around the treatment device. These include:
- Sticky foods, such as caramel, toffee, and chewing gum, can cling to brackets and wires, making cleaning difficult and potentially pulling the braces loose.
- Hard foods like nuts and popcorn should also be avoided, as they can break brackets or bend wires, setting back your treatment progress.
- Sugary foods and drinks, including soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweets, can cause plaque buildup around braces, leading to staining and decay.
- Citrus fruits and black coffee are associated with increased inflammation of the gums, which can affect the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment.
What Food Should You Eat for Healthy Gums and Teeth
Many foods are beneficial for your teeth and gums, promoting long-lasting oral health by strengthening gums and teeth. Some of the best examples include:
1. Calcium-Rich Foods
Food that is rich in calcium, such as cheese and yoghurt, is particularly beneficial for healthier teeth. This is because calcium strengthens your tooth enamel - the hard, outer layer of a tooth - providing a stronger defence against gradual dental erosion and cavities. If you’re lactose intolerant, don’t worry - calcium can be found in non-dairy foods, such as soybeans, kidney beans, spinach, and even almonds!
2. Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Foods that are rich in vitamin C are useful for reducing gum inflammation, which is key when receiving orthodontic treatment since inflamed gums are a common side effect of braces. Some of the tastiest vitamin C-rich foods include peppers, broccoli, strawberries, and potatoes.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Rich Foods
Much like foods rich in vitamin C, a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids is also beneficial for reducing gum tissue inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids promote cell membrane integrity and lessen oxidative stress, helping your gums recover faster during orthodontic treatment. Common foods containing this include fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts.
4. Phosphorus-Rich Foods
Foods containing phosphorus help us absorb and use calcium, allowing our teeth to receive the benefits of this mineral. Lean proteins are usually a great source of phosphorus, including fish, tofu, chicken, eggs, and Greek yoghurt.
5. Probiotic-Rich Foods
Foods that are rich in probiotics are useful for reducing plaque build-up and gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that causes gums to swell. Common examples of probiotic-rich foods include yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, all of which can suppress the growth of oral pathogens.
6. Foods High in Water Content
Staying hydrated is important for our overall health, and the production of saliva is also key for protecting our teeth from bacteria build-up; food that is high in water content can help with both. Common water-rich foods include watermelon, cucumber, and tomatoes, although most fruits and vegetables contain lots of water.
7. Polyphenol-Rich Drinks
There are several drinks which are beneficial for oral health, with two of the most notable examples being green and black tea. Green and black tea contain a high concentration of antioxidants known as polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation in the gums.
Remember, after every meal, carefully and thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. A good diet combined with good oral hygiene will give you the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment.
Contact Our Practice for Orthodontic Advice
If you're looking for foods that are important for healthy gums and teeth, then you understand just how important your oral health is. If you have concerns about your teeth, such as overcrowding or protruding teeth, our Oxford-based practice is here to help you - we provide effective orthodontic treatment to correct jaw misalignments and bring back confidence to your smile!
