Periodontal Diet: Best and Worst Foods and Supplements by Houston Dentist

Dr. Firoz Lalani

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Firoz Lalani

Table of Contents

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

It is gradually making the rounds that oral health is a bit more crucial and significant than it is normally perceived to be. Our daily routine affects our dental health which later impacts the entire body. According to experts at a dental care Houston, apart from regular check-ups, nutrition plays a vital role that most adults fail to follow.

This is all the more important when it comes to gums. Over half of Americans suffer from periodontal disease. It is pretty evident that nutrition is not taken seriously and therefore, it leads to further damage. Fortunately, if periodontal disease is diagnosed or detected at an early stage, the damage can be reversed but not everyone can detect the signs and sit with it.

It’s time to take charge to stop the progression of gum diseases. But how? There are only three ways-

Although the list has no order of preference or priority but maintaining and including an anti-gum disease diet would help you immensely.

Before we touch upon diet tips, make sure you are following good oral habits so that your oral hygiene ways do not clash with your diet.

  • Make sure you are not using an excess of strong antibacterial mouthwash.
  • Only use a soft bristle toothbrush.
  • Do not brush too hard.
  • Change your toothbrush every three months.

What are the best nutrients to fight Periodontal disease?

You could be visiting the best dentist in Houston and still falling behind in your oral care game because you are not consuming a nutritious diet. No matter how healthy a body feels, you would always require additional nutrients that would help you fight gum diseases. Make it a habit to include foods that are rich in-

Collagen

Collagen degradation is common due to inflammation caused by gum diseases. The tissues get reorganized by the affected gums and therefore, a healthy body must have enough levels of collagen in it.

Omega-3s

For a healthy immune system, the body requires the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3s. Even intake of Supplemental fatty acid helps in reversing periodontal disease as per research.

Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

To combat periodontal diseases, proper cell function is important and intake of CoQ10 antioxidants helps a great deal. Sufficient levels of CoQ10 in the body reduces the chances of gum diseases. Even if you get diagnosed with periodontal diseases, the high concentration of CoQ10 in your gums would suppress the inflammation.

Vitamin C

A natural immunity booster, vitamin C can help fight periodontal disease-causing bacteria. It keeps the tissues healthy and regenerates your gums. Low Vitamin C levels are among the major reasons behind the periodontal disease.

Catechins

Proven to be effective in treating periodontal disease, catechins are disease-combating antioxidants and phenols. It also prevents gum inflammation and inhibits harmful bacteria.

Beta Carotene

Eating foods rich in a provitamin called beta carotene helps in the faster and better healing of gum diseases.

Make sure to increase these nutrients and eliminate bacteria-adored refined carbs, and sugar in your diet.

What are the best foods to combat gum disease?

Salmon or fatty fish

Good fats are always healthy. Oily fish such as herring, salmon, or mackerel are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Intake of fatty fish has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body with incredible benefits for the immune system.

Seeds and Nuts

Dentist near Houston suggests a handful of nuts and seeds like sesame seeds, macadamia nuts, and pistachios every day. These are nutrient-dense and packed with antioxidants that have an inverse relationship with periodontal disease.

Lean Meats

Lean meats like chicken are rich in collagen and CoQ10. Both the nutrients aid in combating gum diseases. Even the chicken skin is packed with nutrients, good fat, and collagen so do not skip it.

Broccoli

An incredible green vegetable rich in Vitamin C, B1, magnesium, selenium, niacin, iron, and calcium, Broccoli is a nutrition-dense vegetable and must be included in healthy broths.

Green Tea

Rich in catechins, and gum- disease-fighting nutrients, and antioxidants, Green tea is a great, low-calorie beverage that should be included in the diet. People who drink more green tea have minimal chances of developing periodontal disease.

Bell Peppers

A gum disease-fighting diet is incomplete without red and green bell peppers. These are rich in Vitamin C. Did you know red and green bell peppers have more Vitamin C than an orange? It’s true. Therefore, make it a point to include these delicious vegetables in your salads and dishes to get a solid, lip-smacking, boost of Vitamin C.

By now, you can figure what to add and what to abstain from to nip the gum disease in the bud. The best weapon there is for periodontal disease is to keep your diet in check, visit the best dentist in Houston TX regularly, and maintain oral hygiene.

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