There is an old saying that you are what you eat This can mean many different things. When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums the diet you follow plays a bigger role than you may realize. There are many foods that can damage your gums.
Foods That Cause Oral Problems
When thinking about the food that can damage the gums, they typically fall into a few categories. There are the obvious problem foods, the foods that make sense when you think about it and the foods that surprise you to know they may cause a problem.
The obvious foods include foods that are high in sugar and that are sticky. This includes soda, candy, sports drinks. Some of the not so obvious foods create different problems. Coffee and other high caffeine drinks can lead to gum disease. Coffee from the local coffee chop may also be high in sugar.
Fruit drinks taste great and have important vitamins, but they are also high in sugar and are acidic. Citrus fruits are high in acid. Popcorn often gets stuck between the teeth and gums causing problems.
The foods that many consider a part of a balanced diet may also present problems for the gums. White bread and other foods high in carbs are not always good for the gums. The body turns the carbs into sugar, which can damage the gums. Tomatoes are acidic. Dried fruit is a great snack, but it is high in sugar.
Don’t Despair
The list of foods that can damage the gums is daunting, but it is important to realize that it does not mean that you have to avoid all your favorite foods. To keep your gums healthy, moderation is the key. It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including brushing, flossing and visiting our dental professionals regularly.
For more information about how to protect your gums and teeth through diet or any other information about your oral health. Contact the professionals at our office today.
