Over three quarters of all Americans over the age of 35 have some sort of gum disease, Science Central reports. Gum disease increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and premature tooth loss. To keep your hums healthy, brush and floss regularly and keep regular appointments with your dentist. Additionally, choosing healthy foods can help promote gum health.
Dairy
Low-fat dairy products like milk and cottage cheese can help ward off gum disease, reports Mohammad S. Al-Zahran of Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz University. In a study published in the February 2006 issue of the "Journal of Periodontology," Zahran found that people who consumed dairy products regularly had a 40 percent lower gum disease risk when compared to those that seldom ate dairy. The calcium and vitamin D in dairy products help your body build strong and resilient gum tissue.
Citrus Fruits
You may not be able to feel it, but your gums are under a near-constant assault from molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that attack healthy cells. Eating vitamin C-rich citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits shields your gums from free radicals, the American Academy of Periodontology states. Additionally, vitamin C is required for healthy collagen production. Collagen is connective tissue that is crucial for healthy gum formation.
Green Tea
Green tea is an antioxidant-rich beverage that blocks free radical activity in the mouth. Kyushu University's Mitoshi Kushiyama investigated the effect of green tea consumption on gum disease. In research published in the March 2009 edition of the "Journal of Periodontology," Kushiyama decribes a clear link between green tea consumption and lower rates of gum disease. Don't sweeten your tea with sugar, as this contributes to the decay of your gums.
Fatty Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce chronic inflammation, and inflammation in the mouth is a symptom of gum disease. In research published in the November 2010 edition of "Nutrition," Masanori Iwasaki of Niigata University reported on a study that showed that consumption of the omega-3 fats in fatty fish protected gums from disease. Fish rich in omega-3s include salmon, herring and mackerel.
References
- Science Central: Teeth and Strokes
- "Journal of Periodontology": Increased Intake of Dairy Products Is Related to Lower Periodontitis Prevalence
- Perio.org: Low Dietary Vitamin C Can Increase Risk for Periodontal Disease
- "Journal of Periodontology": Relationship Between Intake of Green Tea and Periodontal Disease
- "Nutrition": Longitudinal relationship between dietary ω-3 fatty acids and periodontal disease
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