Gum disease treatment is not all about brushing and flossing. The diet also has a vital role to play. Just imagine you are spending money and time at the dentist, only to sabotage your efforts with food choices. Everyone is likely to concentrate on what they should eat for healthier gums. However, the trick is avoiding some foods.
Some typical snacks may be secretly sabotaging your gum disease treatment. There are some foods that you believe are good for you may be slowing your healing. This guide will let you know which foods you must avoid while undergoing gum disease treatment. Knowing this you can ensure your healing easier and quicker.
Why Is Diet Important While Undergoing Gum Disease Treatment?
The foods you consume have the ability to hurt or help your gum disease treatment. Hard, sticky, or acidic foods may irritate sensitive gums. In addition, they can hinder the healing process.
Sugary foods can add to plaque formation. They can also aggravate gum issues. A diet lacking essential nutrients is also capable enough of compromising your immune system. It can be more difficult for your body to resist infection.
Conversely, a healthy diet aids in gum health. This is because a healthy diet curbs inflammation and stimulates tissue repair. You must opt for intelligent food choices when you are undergoing gum disease treatment. It can be a turning point for your oral health.
Foods to Avoid During Gum Disease Treatment
a. Hard and Crunchy Foods
Chips, nuts, hard candies, raw vegetables, etc., are some of the popular hard and crunch foods. Crunchy foods can cause mechanical irritation of already inflamed gums.
Edges on chips or hard nuts have the ability to cut tiny holes. It can invite infection. Hard candies are a double danger as they are crunchy and sugary. They come with the potential for plaque formation.
Raw vegetables, though healthy, can also be rough on sensitive gums during gum disease treatment. You can soften vegetables by steaming or boiling them. It can make them safer to eat.
b. Sticky and Chewy Foods
Caramel, gummy candies, dried fruits, etc., are some sticky foods that stick to gums and teeth. They provide a haven for bacteria. In gum disease treatment, this can lead to plaque formation and possible cavities.
Generally, dried fruits are considered a healthy snack. However, they are surprisingly sticky and full of natural sugars. Chewy candies can tug on dental work and become stuck in gum pockets. This makes gum problems worse. Consider choosing non-sticky snacks such as soft fruits or yogurt. It will prevent these problems.
c. Acidic Foods and Beverages
Citrus fruits, vinegar, soda, coffee, etc., are the most commonly used acidic items and beverages. Acidic foods will dissolve away enamel and chafe sore gums. They have the ability to slow down healing while on gum disease therapy. Citrus fruits are a good source of vitamins. However, they sting inflamed gums.
Soda and coffee add acidity and lead to dry mouth. They can disrupt saliva’s natural cleansing process. If you skip acidic foods and use alkaline or neutral-pH foods. It can contribute to a better gum-healing environment.
d. Sweet Foods and Beverages
Desserts, pastries, and sweet drinks are some famous sweet items people love to indulge in. Sugar is a well-known offender in encouraging plaque formation. This exacerbates gum disease. When treating gum disease, excessive sugar consumption fuels damaging bacteria in the mouth. It can result in inflammation and a delay in healing.
Sugary beverages tend to cover the teeth and gums. It can give bacteria a constant source of food. You should replace sugary snacks with fresh fruits or sugar-free snacks, as it can aid gum recovery and health.
e. Spicy and Hot Foods
Hot peppers, spicy sauces, etc., are very popular spices that professional dentists recommend avoiding when getting gum disease treatment Miami Gardens. This is because spicy foods are capable of irritating sore gums and making them uncomfortable. The spiciness of hot foods can heighten inflammation. This makes the treatment of gum disease less effective.
Irritated gums can become more susceptible to bleeding and pain. It can slow down the healing process. Less spicy foods can make your gums feel comfortable. Moreover, it can speed up the recovery process.
f. Alcohol and Tobacco
Tobacco products and alcohol are among the most unfriendly substances to gum disease therapy. Alcohol dries the mouth as it lowers saliva levels and encourages the growth of bacteria. Tobacco, whether it is smoked or chewed, brings toxins that have the ability to destroy gum tissue and impede healing.
The combination of alcohol and tobacco can drastically raise the risk of advanced gum disease and other oral complications. Consider avoiding such products as they can hasten recovery and enhance gum health.
Tips for a Gum-Friendly Diet
While undergoing gum disease treatment, you must focus on soft and nutritious foods such as soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and cooked vegetables. These are easy on sensitive gums. Moreover, they are high in vitamins and minerals that promote healing.
Consider eating a balanced diet by adding protein, healthy fats, and fiber. In addition, opt for whole grains, lean proteins, and soft fruits instead of processed or sugary foods. Drinking plenty of water is also important. This is because it helps flush out food particles and bacteria. It can promote oral health.
It is to be concluded that you must meet with a dentist for individualized dietary guidance. It will significantly optimize your treatment plan. A nourishing diet accelerates recovery and helps ensure long-term gum health. Healthy choices today can mean a happier, healthier smile tomorrow.
