Foods that Cause Gum Disease

Regular dental care is important to keeping your teeth healthy as well as to keep your gums healthy. When the gums have plaque build-up the teeth and gums can become infected.

Certain foods can cause the formation of plaque and plaque can lead to gum problems. These problems are known as gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to several health problems including tooth loss and even tooth loss.

Certain foods can cause gum disease:

Soda and sports drinks

Many sweet drinks such as soda cause severe dental damage because of the sugar and acid they contain, and the tooth-damaging bacteria found in plaque. In addition to these problems, some beverages are even harmful to your health as they are high in caffeine.

Water, coffee, and tea

When you drink coffee or tea, they lower the flow of saliva. This may lead to an increased risk of gum disease. Try to limit your consumption, and gently rinse your mouth with water after.

Acidic Juices and Fruits

A healthy diet includes more fruits and vegetables. Acidic vegetables and fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and tomatoes, are bad for your teeth and your gums. Instead, drink more foods like carrots, apples, and peaches.

Candy and Dried Fruit

Because sugar causes damage to the gums and teeth, all types of sugar should be limited. However, the most harmful type of sugar is dried fruit, which sticks to teeth and gums more than other sugars, and can enable the growth of bacteria.

It’s better to limit the amount of food that you eat than to avoid sticky sweets. Keep rinsing your mouth after you eat to prevent your mouth from tasting sour. If possible, avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating foods that you know may contain bacteria. Brush your teeth 30 minutes later, when the acids have been absorbed into the enamel.

Starchy Foods

The health benefits of eating whole grains may be connected to how they convert to sugar after being digested. Instead of eating bread or cake, consider opting for pasta, crackers, or a salad. Whole grains are recommended by health care professionals who can’t pinpoint a link between gum disease and diabetes (high blood sugar). The latest medical research shows a strong association between uncontrolled diabetes (high blood sugar) and persistent gum disease.

Popcorn

A popcorn husk embedded in a tooth is painful. If not removed immediately, it can increase the risk of infection. If you get a popcorn husk in your teeth, it may be painful and you may want to visit the dentist who can remove the husk.

Acidic Juices and Fruits

Eating acidic juices, including orange juice and grapefruit, is not advisable if you have gum disease problems. These acidic juices can cause erosion of tooth enamel, which may make your mouth susceptible to infection. Citrus fruits may also erode your gums, requiring professional care to remove. You should drink a lot of water to rinse your mouth after eating acidic food and beverages in order to prevent these issues.

Sugary Foods

Sugary foods can cause erosion of teeth, leading to decaying of the teeth. In addition, sugar causes plaque to form, which can cause gum disease.