What to Eat and What to Avoid When Undergoing Treatment for Gum Disease

Diet plays an important role in our overall health, and this includes our oral health. If you are concerned about your gums, there is nothing that can replace good oral hygiene and gum disease treatment from a qualified Toronto-area professional; however, adding certain foods to your diet can support healing and strengthen your gums.

We all know that sugary or highly acidic foods are generally bad for your teeth, causing plaque buildup and leading to cavities, but did you know that these foods can also harm your gums? On the other hand, there are many foods rich in fatty acids and nutrients that can help fight inflammation, and infection, and even improve gum tissue healing. If you need gum disease treatment, here are some of the best foods to support your recovery.

Probiotics

Probiotics offer several health benefits, but when it comes to your gums, their ability to combat harmful oral bacteria is key. Probiotics are available as a supplement, but you can also find them in many fermented foods, like kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut, as well as yogurt (sugar-free) and miso.

Omega-3s

Omega-3s are often regarded for their heart health benefits; however, this critical element also has strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it an important addition to helping reduce gum disease and support treatment. Oily fish, including salmon, herring, and mackerel, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts and seeds, particularly pistachios, macadamia, and sesame seeds, are also full of inflammation-fighting omega-3s.

Collagen

Numerous studies support the inclusion of collagen peptides in promoting gum health. It has been shown to enhance gum integrity and thickness around the tooth, both of which are impacted by long-term gum disease. The best source of collagen is bovine collagen, which can be consumed as a supplement or as a meal (beef).

Cacao

As it turns out, cacao, most often found in chocolate, contains gum disease-fighting catechins that help combat plaque buildup, tooth decay, and cavities. However, to avoid unnecessary sugar, it’s best to choose chocolate with a high cacao concentration (above 70%) and lower sugar content.

Green Tea

Green tea is another great source of catechins and bacteria-fighting antioxidants, both of which have been well-documented for their ability to reduce inflammation, combat gingivitis (early-stage gum disease), and protect against cavities.

Vitamin C

In addition to being good for your teeth, vitamin C also helps strengthen the connective tissue in your gums responsible for holding your teeth in place. As gum disease progresses, it begins to break down this tissue, causing loose or shifting teeth and eventually, tooth loss. Adding more vitamin C to your diet can help fortify this tissue.

Foods to Limit or Avoid Altogether During Gum Disease Treatment

In addition to adding more vitamin and nutrient-rich foods to your diet as undergo treatment for gum disease, periodontists in Toronto also recommend avoiding or limiting your intake of foods that can worsen your symptoms.

Sugary Foods

Unsurprisingly, surgery foods are at the top of the list of foods to avoid when treating gum disease. Not only are things like candy, soda, and pasta sauces bad for your teeth in general, but they can also exacerbate symptoms of gum disease and decrease the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

Acidic Foods

Did you know that acidic foods can directly contribute to bacterial growth in your mouth? Like sugar, foods with a high acid content are best to be avoided during gum disease treatment. Examples include citruses, black coffee, and pickled vegetables.

While diet alone is not enough to help treat or reverse the effects of gum disease, when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan, modifying your eating habits can help reduce inflammation, support healing, and improve your overall gum health.