Cavities are a well-known consequence of bad oral hygiene habits, but gum disease can be much more damaging in the long run. Red, swollen gums are not only hard to diagnose without frequent visits to the Bloomington family dental office, but treatment can also be tricky, requiring frequent dental cleanings and optimal oral hygiene.
As a boost, you can change your dietary routines to help improve your chances of recovering your healthy gums.

What You Should Try
1. Nuts and Seeds
Macadamia nuts, pistachios, and sesame seeds, among others, are high in Omega-3.
In addition to being potent anti-inflammatory agents that boost the immune system and lessen the damaging effects of gum disease, these omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain health and function.
However, make sure to break down nuts to prevent a dental fracture.
2. Salmon or Other Fatty Fish
Oily fish, such as salmon, herring, and mackerel, are rich in nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Because of their oil content, they are excellent for the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Beef
Grass-fed beef contains collagen, which is great for fighting gum disease. Chuck steak osso bucco, or connective tissue, is also very collagen-rich.
Collagen plays a key role in preventing periodontal disease by lowering gum inflammation and encouraging tissue repair and cell growth, which aids in healing damaged gum tissue.
4. Chicken
Chicken contains CoQ10 and collagen, which are both excellent in fighting gum disease. Also, don't omit the skin. Chicken skin is rich in collagen, making consuming it worth it.
5. Cacao
Due to its ability to combat cavities, plaque, and tooth decay, cacao is generally very beneficial for your teeth. Cacao contains compounds that are more effective than fluoride at preventing tooth decay. Additionally, cacao contains a CBH substance that helps harden the dental enamel.
6. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, a polysaccharide found exclusively in this type of mushroom. While ignoring other bacteria, lentinan targets the dangerous bacteria that cause gum disease.
Additionally, shiitake mushrooms have strong anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to lower various inflammatory markers.
7. Broccoli
Vitamin C, which is abundant in broccoli, serves as an antioxidant in the body. Broccoli is also a great source of other nutrients, like Vitamin B1, magnesium, iron, calcium, niacin, and selenium.
8. Red and Green Bell Peppers
Red and green bell peppers are fantastic additions to a diet that fights gum disease because they are high in vitamin C. Red bell peppers provide more than 300% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, while green bell peppers provide more than 200% of the daily requirement.
This is much more Vitamin C than you can find in an orange!
9. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain a lot of beta-carotene. In the battle against gum disease, beta-carotene is a vital nutrient. In addition to lowering inflammation, it gives your body the ingredients it needs to produce vitamin A. Additionally, sweet potatoes are a good source of manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
10. Green Tea
Green tea contains a lot of catechins.
These are antioxidants and phenols that fight disease. Catechins have demonstrated efficacy in treating gum disease by suppressing dangerous bacteria and reducing gum inflammation.

Keep Your Smile Healthy by Visiting Our Bloomington Family Dental Office!
Gum disease is the primary cause of gum disease for adults. Moreover, over half of Americans have some form of gum disease (also called periodontal disease), making prompt treatment fundamental to protecting your smile.
Fortunately, if you catch your gum disease early enough, you can stop the progression and reverse the damage. Besides improving your dietary habits, Smalltown Dental offers specialized treatment to target the infection. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
