The Connection Between Nutrition and Gum Health

The Connection Between Nutrition and Gum Health

It’s common knowledge that foods and beverages with high sugar content can cause cavities and an otherwise unnecessary trip to the dentist’s office. While parents do their best to ensure their children don’t eat too many sweets, less is known about how nutrition affects gum health. At Hebert Family Dentistry, we work diligently to help families maintain their beautiful smiles. We hope this information about the relationship between our foods and oral health proves helpful.

The Importance of Oral Health

It’s important to understand that oral health equals overall health. Your mouth is the literal gateway to the rest of your body. Anything that goes wrong with your teeth and gums can trigger responses elsewhere. These are ways periodontitis, commonly called gum disease, can negatively impact your total health.

Cardiovascular Disease

The bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream through sores and cuts inside your mouth. As these harmful agents flow through your veins and arteries, they can create inflammation and infections. The greatest dangers involve clogged arteries, heart disease, and strokes.

Pregnancy Complications

Periodontitis has been linked to premature births and infants with unusually low body weight. Babies born to mothers suffering from gum disease are also at risk of preeclampsia, a condition that comes with high blood pressure and organ damage. Like cardiovascular disease, these conditions are caused by harmful bacteria migrating to other parts of the body, such as the placenta.

You must schedule a dental appointment if you have early signs of gum disease. Periodontitis can often be treated before it sets off another condition. However, the best defense against gum disease is scheduling regular dental cleanings and following a healthy diet.

Good Nutrition and Healthy Gums

Brushing and flossing every day are crucial for healthy gums. This helps prevent plaque build-up along the gumline. In addition to maintaining a daily oral hygiene regimen, there are other ways you can put nutrition to work.

  • Vitamin C: There’s a connection between Vitamin C and reducing inflammation in your gums. People with Vitamin C deficiencies experience sores, bleeding, and a condition known as scurvy. Foods like citrus fruits, berries, carrots, and bell peppers are high in Vitamin C.
  • Vitamin B12: Studies indicate a link between low B12 levels and severe gum disease. The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests that milk, eggs, and lean meats are reasonably good sources of B12. You can also check the nutritional content of breads and cereals to see if they are fortified with B12.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Researchers point to Omega-3 fatty acids playing a vital role in oral health. These fatty acids reportedly help reduce the possibility of inflammation. Good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include flax seed oil and fish.
  • Calcium: Leafy greens such as kale and spinach have been dubbed a superfood for good reasons. They are high in vitamins and minerals, and their calcium content aids strong teeth.
  • Vitamin D: Essential for strong bones and teeth, Vitamin D is generally added to milk and other dairy products. Egg yolks and certain mushrooms also deliver a hearty dose of Vitamin D.
  • Protein: Considered a building block for strong bones and muscles, your teeth benefit from appropriate protein intake. Chicken, eggs, lean beef, and fish are rich in protein. Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans, artichoke hearts, and chickpeas are also solid protein sources.

Our Lafayette, LA community members would be well served to remember that an overall healthy diet promotes good oral and total body health. Crunchy nuts and vegetables help clear away plaque while providing nutritional value. Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, and vaping, and minimize alcohol consumption. Just as some foods help you maintain a bright smile and healthy gums, others have a negative impact.

Contact Hebert Family Dentistry in Lafayette to Schedule an Oral Health Appointment

A healthy diet that includes foods that promote gum health will do a lot to support your overall health and well-being. But even with the best diet, visiting the dentist regularly is essential to maintain your mouth, gums, teeth, and oral health. Fortunately, we are here to help with that!

Please contact Hebert Family Dentistry for all your dental care needs in Lafayette, LA, and the surrounding areas. Our team is standing by to answer your questions and help you protect your oral health.