Do you notice that your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Or that they are puffy or tender? These are symptoms of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, and they’re signs that the bacteria in your mouth are thriving and destroying the soft tissue around your teeth. If you have gum disease, you might have bad breath and lose some of your teeth’s support structures. But there are things you can do to prevent gum disease, like brushing and flossing regularly, getting dental checkups every six months, and avoiding these five foods that might be causing your gum disease.
Read more: Foods That Cause Gum Disease: Avoid Them For Better Oral Care
1) Processed Sugar
We all know that processed sugar is bad for our teeth. But did you know that it can also lead to gum disease? When bacteria in the mouth breaks down sugar, it produces acids that can damage your gums. Over time, this can lead to inflammation and infection. So if you’re struggling with gum disease, cut back on the processed sugar and give your gums a chance to heal. There are lots of other great ways to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Some people might not realise that acidity has a lot to do with their dental health as well. Sodas like cola, orange juice and lemonade are known for being acidic and should be consumed sparingly (if at all). All three of these drinks have been linked to tooth erosion from acidity.
2) Fruit Juices
Sugar is one of the main culprits when it comes to gum disease, and fruit juices are full of it. In fact, many fruit juices have more sugar than soda. And we all know how bad soda is for our teeth. If you must drink fruit juice, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards. Keep in mind that this doesn’t apply to 100% pure fruit juice with no added sugars or preservatives (like grapefruit juice). You should also avoid sipping sugary drinks through a straw as this increases contact time with the teeth and mouth’s bacterial film which promotes cavities.
3) Breads
Soda is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to causing gum disease. The sugar in soda feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which can then lead to an infection. Soda can also cause your gums to become inflamed and bleed easily. If you’re trying to improve your oral health, cutting out soda is a good place to start. Instead, try drinking water or milk with your meals. Both contain protein and calcium, which are key for strengthening teeth and fighting tooth decay. Fruit juices that contain high levels of acid can also be damaging to teeth because they make your saliva more acidic. Coffee: Drinking coffee causes acid erosion on your teeth over time, which results in painful sensitivity when eating hot foods or sweets. Smoking: Smoking increases your risk for periodontal disease because smoking irritates the tissues around the gums, making them more susceptible to bacterial growth. Alcohol: Although alcohol may seem like a relatively harmless vice, drinking excessively can actually result in damage to blood vessels around the gum line as well as weaken bone support structures that hold up your teeth.
4) Soda
Soda is one of the most acidic drinks out there, and its acidity can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. If you drink soda regularly, you’re more likely to develop gum disease. The sugar in soda can also feed the bacteria in your mouth, leading to more plaque buildup. To protect your oral health, cut back on soda and opt for water instead. You might be surprised by how much better you feel without all that added sugar. Fruit juice: Drinking fruit juice can contribute to an increased risk of developing periodontal disease as well as other dental problems. When fruits are juiced, they lose a lot of their fiber content – a major contributor to healthy gums – and have concentrated levels of natural sugars that cause tooth decay when consumed over time.
5) Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet and can help keep your gums healthy. However, some vegetables can actually contribute to gum disease. Here are five to watch out for:
1. Spinach – This vegetable is high in oxalates, which can bind with calcium and lead to plaque formation.
2. Celery – Celery contains pectin, which can increase the amount of plaque on your teeth.
3. Potatoes – Potatoes are high in starch, which can feed the bacteria that cause gum disease.
4. Corn – Corn is another starchy food that can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
