5 Foods That Can Prevent Gum Disease

When you’re not keeping your teeth clean, bacteria builds up, causing inflammation. Swelling, or gingivitis, bleeding gums, redness in gums, bad breath, a receding gum line and pain are all symptoms of this condition. Gum disease can also increase the risk of heart disease. Fortunately, regularly brushing and flossing helps, and these five foods can, too!

#1: Lean Beef

Lean beef has both zinc and Vitamin B6, which fight gum disease because they’re anti-inflammatories. Zinc is also an antioxidant. Seafood, including oysters, and lamb, also contain zinc. Don’t overdo it the beef, though—too much is bad for your heart!

#2: Spinach

Dark leafy greens, like spinach and beet greens, are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A and acts as an antioxidant and boosts immunity. This protects against tooth decay and gum disease. You can eat spinach raw, boiled, baked or blended in a smoothie. No matter how you consume it, you’ll get the benefits. And unlike kale, it doesn’t taste bitter.

#3: Celery

Celery protects against gum disease because of its rough texture. The fibers scrape against your teeth, acting as a natural tooth brush—even scrubbing away some of the plaque from the tongue that causes bad breath. They’re perfect for an end-of-lunch snack. Skip the veggie dip if you’re going for the toothbrush effect. Other hard, crunchy veggies, like carrots, bell peppers and cucumbers, act similarly, and even apples can clean your teeth.

#4: Yogurt

Yogurt that contains live, active cultures are rich in probiotics that work against bad breath, plaque and gum disease. Basically, they destroy harmful bacteria in your mouth. However, be sure to purchase yogurt that doesn’t have a lot of added sugar. Other dairy products, like cheese, can guard against tooth decay by reducing the breakdown of tooth enamel and ridding your mouth of harmful bacteria.

#5: Herbs

Looking for a mouth-healthy way to flavor your food? Minty flavors, like spearmint and peppermint, help fight bad breath. Cinnamon, tarragon and rosemary can, too. They have naturally antimicrobial properties that protect teeth. They’ll even help you digest the food more easily. When you buy toothpaste next time, look for toothpaste that contains mint essential oils.

As you age, tooth decay and gum disease become more prevalent. Pregnancy can also increase the risk of gum disease. To guard against it, develop healthy habits early. Your teeth will thank you, and you will avoid a lot of health, pain, and aesthetic issues.

Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband. Dixie recommends that you visit periodontal specialists if you have concerns or questions about what foods are right for your teeth

5 Foods That Can Prevent Gum Disease