Avoid These 5 Foods and Beverages to Protect Your Gums
When you think about eating to promote good oral health, you are likely focused on preventing cavities and tooth decay. At risk of developing periodontal disease (a bacterial infection) your gums and their health can be just as strongly affected by the foods and drinks you consume as your teeth are.
To promote healthy gums and help prevent periodontal disease, try to avoid the following foods and drinks.
5 Foods and Drinks to Avoid for Better Gum Health
If you do consume any of the following foods and drinks, be sure to limit the time you’re snacking or drinking and rinse your mouth out with water.
1. Soda and Sports Drinks
These beverages are bad for your teeth and for your gums. Both are acidic which can irritate the gums, causing inflammation. They’re also both highly sugary, and this high sugar content feeds the bacteria that are responsible for gum disease.
2. Starchy Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates that become sticky when chewed (potato chips, bread, pasta, and crackers) should also be avoided. The starchy carbs easily stick on the teeth, along the gum line, and between your teeth, feeding the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease.
3. Popcorn
The husks consumed with popcorn kernels pose a threat to gum health by sometimes poking or cutting the gums and also by easily getting lodged in and stuck between the gums and teeth. This not only creates space for periodontal disease to develop but can also cause serious gum infections and abscesses.
If you get a popcorn husk stuck in your gums and can’t get it out on your own, make a dental appointment right away.
4. Coffee
Coffee’s high acidity and tendency to dry out the mouth pack a double punch to your gum health. The acid irritates the delicate tissues causing inflammation, and a dry mouth means you produce less saliva to wash away the acid while remineralizing your tooth enamel.
5. Alcohol
Like coffee, alcohol is highly acidic and dries out the mouth. It also contains sugar which feeds the harmful bacteria living along the gum line.
Don't Forget Your Regular Dental Cleanings and Checkups!
In addition to caring for your teeth and gums at home with good oral hygiene and avoiding high-risk foods, you should also be visiting the dentist at least once every six months for a preventative cleaning and dental checkup.
To schedule your next dental exam, we welcome you to contact Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry today.
