Gum disease is difficult to treat and reverse without accurate information and much of what most people have been told actually does more harm than good. These are the best foods to eat if you have Gum disease.
1. Nuts and seeds high in omega 3s
These include macadamia nuts, pistachios, sesame seeds. Omega-3s are essential to a well-rounded, nutrient-dense diet. Omega-3s are great for you because they are anti-inflammatory but also have an inverse relationship with gum disease. These nuts are great sources of nutrients as well.
2. Salmon or other fatty fish
Oily fish such a salmon, herring, and mackerel are great sources of nutrients and are high in omega-3s. Due to their oil content, they have anti-inflammatory effects on the body and are great for the immune system.
3. Grass-fed beef
Because we don’t eat organ meats like our ancestors did, we need to be conscientious about our collagen intake. Grass-fed beef contains collagen, which is great for fighting gum disease.
It’s also high in omega-3s, which is one of the reasons so many health gurus specify the feed of the cow. Grain-fed beef is packed with omega-6s, antibiotics, and other inflammatory, disease-causing components. It’s just not worth it to eat grain-fed beef anymore.
4. Chicken
Chicken contains CoQ10 and collagen, which are both excellent in the fight against gum disease so it’s one of the best foods for gum. Don’t skip the skin either. Many people forgo eating chicken skin because it’s high in fat, but chicken skin is packed with collagen.
5. Bone broth
We don’t eat the whole animal like we once did, which means we’re missing out on important nutrients like collagen. But you can get more of this nutrient in your diet with bone broth. Bone broth is gaining popularity as a health superfood because it’s a delicious way for us to get more of the nutrients we miss out on in the modern world.
6. Shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which is a polysaccharide only found in this particular type of mushroom. Lentinan attacks the harmful gum disease-causing bacteria while leaving other bacteria alone. Shiitake mushrooms are also powerfully anti-inflammatory and have been seen in studies to reduce numerous inflammatory markers.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with Vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant in the body. Vitamin C has been inversely associated with gum disease. Broccoli also provides tons of other nutrients. Broccoli contains Vitamin B1, magnesium, iron, calcium, niacin, and selenium. Any nutrient-dense diet should contain broccoli.
8. Red and green bell peppers
High in Vitamin C, red and green bell peppers are a great addition to a gum disease fighting diet. One cup of red bell peppers contains over 300% of your daily recommended allowance of Vitamin C. While green bell peppers contain over 200% of the Vitamin C you need in a day. In fact, both red and green bell peppers have more Vitamin C than an orange. Add more bell peppers to your diet for an easy and delicious boost in Vitamin C.
9. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of many nutrients but they made this list specifically for their beta carotene content. Beta carotene is an essential nutrient in the fight against gum disease. It reduces inflammation and provides your body with the elements it needs to create Vitamin A. Sweet potatoes also contain high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Manganese.
10. Green tea
Green tea is high in catechins. Remember catechins? Those were one of the key gum disease-fighting nutrients listed above.
Not only is green tea high in catechins, but it’s also been found to have an inverse relationship with periodontal disease. One study that analyzed 940 men found there was an inverse association between green tea consumption and periodontal disease. Meaning those that drink more green tea have a lower chance of developing gum disease.
11. Cacao
Cacao is also high in disease-fighting catechins, which help stop gum disease, it is great for your teeth overall because it fights cavities, plaque, and tooth decay. Compounds in cacao are more effective at fighting tooth decay than fluoride. Cacao also contains a compound called CBH, which hardens your enamel.
To eat cacao that’s actually good for you and not loaded with sugar, go for raw chocolate that is 70 percent or more. Look for a low sugar content too. Cacao and cocoa differ in processing. Cacao hasn’t been exposed to high heat, is still raw, and still contains it’s 300+ compounds, many of which are beneficial to your health.
12. Probiotic-containing foods
These include kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Probiotics support the good bacteria in your mouth and reduce gingivitis and plaque buildup. Fermented foods are also thought to suppress the growth of oral pathogens.
One study found those who drank fermented dairy benefited from protective effects against gum disease – though it wasn’t clear whether it was due to the increased calcium or the probiotics (or both!).
Stop gum disease in its tracks
The best weapon against gum disease is proper knowledge of how it works and what can be done to prevent it. Now that you know what to eat and how to take care of your teeth and gums — the right way — I hope you feel better equipped to stop gum disease in its tracks. Whether you’re trying to fight gum disease or just prevent it, the advice in this article will be helpful to you.
