A Healthy Diet for Gum Bleeding and Other Dental Issues
Time and time again, experts have told us that we need food from all the major food groups to have a healthy body. The same also goes for having healthy teeth.
Too many carbohydrates and starches can lead to tooth decay and, eventually, tooth loss. What should you at to prevent gum bleeding and other dental issues? Below are some tips for choosing and eating foods to achieve and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- Reach for fruits and vegetables for a healthy snack. Opt for those that have high water content like melons, pears, cucumbers, and celery. Limit raisins and bananas because they contain concentrated sugar. If you need to eat them, brush your teeth afterward.
- Eat cheese with lunch or as a snack. Cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other aged cheeses will help trigger the flow of saliva that will help wash away any food particles stuck in the teeth.
- Stay away from chewy, sticky foods. Caramel, jelly beans, raisins, granola bars, oatmeal, and syrup easily stick to the teeth and is hard for saliva to wash away. If you consume these products, brush your teeth immediately after eating.
- Eat sugary treats with meals, not alone. If you are craving sweets, eat them as a dessert after a meal. There is mostly an increased amount of saliva during mealtime so food can easily be washed away from the teeth. Your mealtime beverage can also help get rid of them.
- Consume as few snacks as you can. Snacking frequency is more important than quantity. Frequent snacking constantly feeds bacteria which can lead to tooth decay. Allow time between meals for your saliva to wash away food particles.
- Buy unsweetened or sugar-free foods. If you need to have your taste of something sweet, opt for food items that contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can actually help prevent the development of cavities.
- Avoid sugary foods that linger in the mouth. Hard candies, mints, cough drops, and lollipops contribute to tooth decay because they linger in the mouth and will continuously coat the teeth with sugar, which can lead to plaque development.
- Drink water instead of soda or juice. Sodas, juices, and milk all contain sugar. On the other hand, water will not harm the teeth and will even help wash away any food particles that might be stuck to your teeth.
If you want to have healthier teeth and gums, simply follow the tips above. In no time, you will be on your way to having good oral health. If you have any more questions about how to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape or are currently having dental problems, schedule an appointment with a reputable dentist in your area now; they should be more than happy to help you.
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