You know the saying “You are what you eat” and you can probably hear your childhood doctor saying those exact words during a past exam. Though it might sound outlandish, what you eat truly does reflect your health. Your appearance and health often reflect what you eat, especially if you eat mostly junk or healthy foods. If you consume a relatively healthy diet, your health will be better than someone who consumes mostly junk foods. 

Did you know that what you eat can also affect your gums? Nutrition and gum health go hand in hand, with a healthy or poor diet reflecting healthy or unhealthy gums. Continue reading to understand how diet affects gum health and to learn more about balanced nutrition and oral care.

How Diet Affects Gums

We already know that consuming a healthy diet with whole foods, vegetables, and fruits low in sugar can lead to a healthier body and a fitter physical appearance and the same goes for healthier gums. Keeping gums healthy is paramount to overall oral health and, in return, for your overall health. Just like a poor diet can cause health issues, poor oral hygiene affects the rest of your health, specifically your gums, leading to gum disease, tooth loss, and infection.

How clean is your diet? If you eat mostly healthy foods, your gums are likely in better shape than someone who consumes more sugars, starches, and other unhealthy foods. How? Some foods cause more plaque than others; foods with high sugar and carbohydrates lead to more plaque than foods lower in sugar and higher in minerals. Let’s say you’re torn between a snack of an orange and string cheese or candy and cookies – apples are lower in sugar than candies and cookies and string cheese has more minerals than the alternatives.

The more sugars and carbs you consume, the more tartar is left to sit and collect around teeth and the gumline. Likewise, eating foods with lower sugars and carbs like vegetables and whole grains leaves less acid and tartar to surround teeth, leading to healthier gums. Foods low in sugar and rich in minerals act as vitamins for gum health, keeping your body and teeth healthier. These healthier foods won’t stick to teeth and turn into plaque or acids like unhealthy foods high in sugar and carbs can.

Foods to Avoid for Healthy Gums

While not all “unhealthier” foods will lead to gum disease and tooth decay, there are many foods you’ll want to avoid for healthy gums. Below are some foods that lead to more tartar and plaque that weaken tooth enamel and gums:

  • Sticky and chewy candies
  • Coffee, sodas, sports drinks, and juices high in sugar
  • Starchy snacks like potato chips and crackers
  • Ice cream/milkshakes
  • Fried foods

Avoid foods high in sugar and carbs because they break down into acids and plaque, sticking to teeth and eventually weakening tooth enamel and causing cavities and gum disease. Of course, certain foods are fine in moderation. Consult your dentist or physician for a more detailed list of foods you should consume and avoid based on your unique health concerns and needs.

Foods for Strong Gums

Consuming foods for strong gums doesn’t have to be boring – plenty of options exist and are full of flavor without overeating sugars and carbs. Below are some great foods for stronger and healthier gums:

  • Citrus fruits
  • Berries
  • Melons
  • Eggs
  • Vegetables (greens like kale and spinach, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
  • Low sugar yogurt
  • Raw nuts
  • Beans
  • Cheese
  • Dark chocolate

The above are just some of the many foods that improve gum health. For gum disease prevention through diet, swap sugary processed foods for whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals and lower in sugar. Foods rich in calcium keep teeth stronger, protecting enamel while foods with vitamin D can aid in the prevention of gum disease.

Trust Rhoades Family Dentistry with your Dental Care

Whether you’re due for a cleaning or have some oral health concerns, trust Rhoades Family Dentistry for your dental care. We provide all dental services and treatments including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dentistry, dental implants, and more. We can help you maintain your oral health by scheduling a cleaning and offering balanced nutrition and oral care tips to help with preventative maintenance and cavity prevention.

If you need dental care for the entire family, Rhoades Family Dentistry would love to be your family dentist! We’re family-owned and operated with a team of dedicated professionals who are members of the American Dental Association, American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, and many other dental associations. Our staff has undergone extensive training to provide all our patients with the best dental care.

Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care and giving your family healthy holiday smiles!