Without a doubt, you can (and should) certainly make your gums healthy by cleaning them. Habits like twice-daily brushing, once-daily flossing, and frequent checkups help these tissues thrive! You shouldn’t ignore the role of nutrition, though; many vitamins and minerals benefit your gums as well. Eating foods with the right chemicals would work “gummy” wonders for your grin. If you want more details, look at these four common nutrients that can boost your gums’ health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids (or “Omega-3s”) have a mouthful of a name, but the gist is that they’re fats that play important roles in your body. One such role is to improve (and stabilize) your gum tissues.
You see, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. They can thus help your body fight infections like gum disease, especially when ingested in large amounts. A 2020 review of six studies proved that much, as it showed people who took omega-3s had far lower rates of gum infection. You’d thus do well to add sources of the fats – fish, walnuts, eggs, etc. – to your diet.
Vitamin D
Another nutrient to keep in mind is good ol’ vitamin D. If you consume enough of it, one perk you’ll enjoy is a stronger and healthier set of gums.
It boils down to how vitamin D improves various aspects of your body. Key examples of these include your immune and antibacterial defense systems, which work together to reduce your gums’ inflammation levels. Evidence of this boost is found in how vitamin D deficiency increases one’s risk of gum disease. All that said, please get more of the vitamin through cheese, dairy products, and supplements!
Probiotics
In the last few years, research has shown that probiotics have many wonderful benefits. Their ability to help your gums is a major example.
Note that probiotics are particular (and living) microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeast. These entities have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which excel at treating gum disease. Studies also indicate that probiotic lozenges may reduce pathogenic bacteria and inflammation in people with infected gums. So, try to consume probiotics by eating yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods.
Vitamin C
Last but not least, vitamin C is also critical to good gum health. Adding more of it to your diet will enhance your gums for the better.
The reason vitamin C has gum-boosting power is that it produces collagen. The latter is a primary building block of your body’s skin, muscles, and bones, so it’s a core material of your gums. Failing to get enough vitamin C will thus increase your risk of irritated, bleeding, and painful gum tissue. To avoid that outcome, get the vitamin from crisp fruits and veggies.
Since some vitamins and minerals benefit your gums, please don’t ignore them. Make them part of your meals so your gum tissues become stronger and healthier!
About the Practice
Iglesias Dental Group is based in Coral Springs, FL. Led by Drs. Daniyel, Haissel, Walter, and Muyeenul, our practice always centers its care on patients’ wants and needs. We thus offer a wide range of tailored services, from checkups and periodontal therapy to dental implants and sleep apnea treatment. However your smile is faring, our team will make it thrive for life! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (954)-341-0500.