You Are What You Eat: Go Ahead and Ask Your Gums!

As your biological and holistic dentists in Wilmington, Dr. Grace Liu and Dr. Lewis Yu can help you understand the many essential ways your nutrition is connected to your oral and overall health — more importantly, your gums. We go out of our way to prevent all forms of periodontal or gum disease with extra attention and careful collaborative management. 

What Are Common Signs of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is connected to the fact that your mouth is full of bacteria, all working with other present particles to form plaque on your teeth. This is the sticky buildup you see before you brush and floss. When plaque isn’t removed quickly or thoroughly enough, there’s a chance it’s going to harden into tartar, leading to the potential for developing damaging periodontal disease. It’s important to regularly see your Wilmington holistic and biological dentists because a professional hygiene cleaning is the best way to ensure your mouth stays healthy. It’s important to note that smoking, diabetes, hormone issues, and certain medicines can be underlying causes of gum disease. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bleeding
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitivity
• Receding gums

Are you ready to assess your gum health? Your best defense is to visit our holistic dental office in Wilmington for a comprehensive checkup, cleaning, and examination. Dr. Yu, Dr. Liu, and their team have the tools and training to spot gum disease early for effective treatment designed to protect oral health. 

Is Your Diet Good for Your Gums?

Calcium is as good for your teeth as it is for your bones and is one of the most essential minerals you’ll find in your body. This means finding ways to safely absorb calcium like dairy products such as milk, yogurt, or cheese. Add some canned salmon, almonds, broccoli, and kale to your regular meal routine. (Bonus: This is also a great source of vitamin D, which is also good for oral health.) Are you or someone in your family sensitive to lactose or have an intolerance? Be sure to check with your doctor first, but you might also find it beneficial to add these in a supplemental form to your diet. 

This leads us to some other foods, key nutrients, or ingredients that can help prevent the early stages of gingivitis and gum disease, including:

• Vitamin C – Because of how well it’s capable of helping to strengthen your blood vessels and connective tissue between your teeth and jawbone, you need to get vitamin C into your diet. It contains antioxidants and will reduce your risk of gum disease by reducing inflammation. Try eating these foods to up your natural vitamin C intake:

• • Strawberries
  • Lemons
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cauliflower
  • Kidney Beans

Note: Heat can destroy all the power vitamin C provides, so keep that in mind when preparing foods bursting with good-for-you nutrients.

• Omega-3s – We mentioned almonds earlier and their role in helping combat gum disease. Other nuts and seeds are also incredibly high in omega-3s and can be integral to your well-rounded diet. Try munching on some macadamia nuts, pistachios, or sesame seeds for a nutty nutrient boost.
• Water – Your holistic and biological dentists in Wilmington can’t stress enough how important it is for all of us to drink plenty of water every day, no matter what age you are or what time of year it is. Since you’re made up of nearly 60 percent water, it’s vital to stay hydrated for many health-related reasons. Dry mouth is a significant contributor to gum disease. Water is also good at washing away what’s left in and around your teeth after eating while ensuring dry mouth doesn’t occur. 

Plenty of other products and produce to be found in your local market provide a proper defense against damaging gum disease that affects your teeth and overall health. Schedule your appointment at our holistic and biological dental office in Wilmington to speak with our doctors for the one-on-one collaborative dental care you won’t find anywhere else. We look forward to hearing from you!

About The Author

Dr. Lewis Yu

Dr. Lewis Yu, who graduated with a dental degree, completed a two-year postgraduate oral surgery training in New York City and Pennsylvania. Board-certified in Naturopathic Medicine and Integrated Biological Dental Medicine, he practiced in Philadelphia and New Jersey before joining All About Smiles. Dr. Yu is affiliated with the Holistic Dental Association and Talkinternational.com.

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