Periodontal diseases -- such as gingivitis and periodontitis -- can cause pain and swelling of the gum, underlying tissues and your jaw bone. As a result, you may experience pain and bleeding at your gums. This condition can make eating painful. As a result, your dentist may recommend a soft food diet to prevent irritation of your mouth.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease. This common form of periodontal disease can cause irritation, redness and inflammation of your gums. Gingivitis can be so mild that without a regular dental check-up, you may not even know you have this condition. Gingivitis is caused by plaque that remains on your teeth and hardens under your gum line.
Periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis can progress to a more serious gum disease. This condition is known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that causes more severe pain, swelling and inflammation. This condition can also spread to underlying tissues and bones resulting in tooth loss.
Treatment
Treatment of periodontal disease can help reduce your risk of tooth loss. If you suspect you have this condition, visit with your dentist. A cleaning can help to remove all traces of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Your dentist can also instruct you on proper brushing and flossing techniques. At home, you can also use an antiseptic mouthwash to help rinse away bacteria. Visiting your dentist every six months for cleanings can also help reduce your risk of periodontal disease.
Soft Food Diet
If periodontal disease is severe, your dentist may recommend a soft food diet to ensure you are receiving adequate nutrition until your condition clears up. A soft food diet is much easier to consume than a regular diet. A soft food diet is easier on your teeth, mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach. Soft food diets can be eaten as often as necessary. This is because you are able to get all of your essential vitamins, nutrients an minerals while consuming a soft food diet. Foods can be cooked, blended, pureed or mashed to your liking.
Sample of a Soft Food Diet
If you are on a soft food diet, you can select from a number of food choices. For breakfast, you can opt for bread, biscuits, pancakes, cornmeal, grits, waffles or yogurt. For lunch, you can pick from foods including strained meats, bread, peanut butter, pasta and fruit juice. For dinner, tender meats, mashed potatoes, noddles, dumplings and cooked fish are acceptable. If you are looking for a snack or dessert, try ice cream, custards, sherbet, yogurt, gelatin, marshmallows, jelly, lollipops or plain fudge.
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