When it comes to dental care, we tend to focus on our teeth and forget about our gums. Yet, it’s vital to prioritize gum health as well. Gums are the soft tissues that support and secure our teeth in our mouth; they play a significant role in oral health.
While brushing and flossing are essential daily routines for maintaining healthy gums, what you eat can adversely impact your gum health and create tooth and gum problems. Let’s explore these foods and understand why they can harm your gums.
1. Sugary Foods and Drinks
One of the biggest culprits behind gum problems is sugar. When you eat sugary foods and drink, the sugar sticks to your teeth and gums. The bacteria in your mouth loves sugar and will feed on it, producing acids that can damage and cause gum disease.
Common sugary foods and drinks include:
- Candy
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Soda
- Sweetened juices
2. Sticky Snacks
Sticky snacks are full of sugar that can remain on your teeth and gums for a long time. This gives bacteria more time to produce harmful acids, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Examples of sticky snacks are:
- Gummy candies
- Dried fruits
- Chewing gum (with sugar)
- Toffee
3. Starchy Foods
Starchy foods can also trigger periodontal disease symptoms. Whenever you eat starchy foods they can get stuck between your teeth and gums. Bacteria will break down these starches into sugars, and produce acids that can harm your gums.
Common starchy foods include:
- Potato chips
- White bread
- Pasta
- Crackers
4. Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and drinks can irritate and damage your gums. They can wear down the enamel on your teeth, making your gums more vulnerable to infection and disease. Acidic foods and drinks include:
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, and limes)
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Vinegar-based dressings
- Soda
- Sports drinks
5. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can be harmful to your gums for a couple of reasons. First, many alcoholic drinks contain sugar and acids that can damage your gums. Second, alcohol can dry out your mouth, reducing saliva production which is crucial for clearing away food particles and bacteria. Without enough saliva, your gums are more likely to get infected.
Common alcoholic drinks include:
- Beer
- Wine
- Cocktails
- Spirits
6. Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeine can dry out your mouth as well, leading to decreased amounts of saliva. This can result in a buildup of bacteria and an increased risk of gum disease.
Examples of caffeinated beverages are:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Energy drinks
- Some sodas
7. Hard Foods
Hard foods can cause physical damage to your gums. Consuming hard foods can cause bleeding gums and can lead to gum recession, where the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots and making them more susceptible to decay and disease.
Hard foods include:
- Hard candies
- Ice
- Popcorn kernels
- Nuts (if not chewed carefully)
8. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can irritate gums and cause inflammation. Those with sensitive gums or gum disease may find eating spicy foods aggravates their condition. It’s important to be mindful of how your gums react to spicy foods.
Examples of spicy foods are:
- Hot peppers
- Spicy salsa
- Hot sauce
- Spicy curries
Tips for Protecting Your Gums
Now that you understand foods that can be harmful to your gums, here are some tips to help safeguard your oral health:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque that can harm your gums.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Choose healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods provide essential nutrients that support gum health.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, maintaining a healthy mouth.
- Visit the Dentist: Visiting a dentist near you regularly is crucial for the early detection of gum issues.
- Use Mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth and prevent gum disease.
Are You Looking for a Smile Ally?
Consult our in-house dentist in Wetaskiwin, our expert and friendly dental care team is always eager to help patients make their teeth and smile better. At Wetaskiwin Family Dental,
our team of professionals are here to help with all your dental care goals.
Your gums are crucial in maintaining oral health and your diet can greatly affect them. Incorporating daily oral hygiene habits into your morning and evening routines is essential to preserving healthy and robust gums. Choose your foods wisely and prioritize daily gum care to maintain optimum oral health for a lifetime! Schedule your appointment at our local dental clinic today!