Maintaining your oral health is essential to your overall health and well-being. This includes a consistent daily oral care routine and regular dental visits. If you don’t care for your oral health, you run the risk of oral health issues. A common issue is gum disease. Gum disease can have a serious impact on your oral health. Below, you will find the worst foods for gum disease and how to reduce your risk for the condition.

Worst foods for gum disease

Your diet plays a critical role in your oral health. Certain foods are more impactful than others when it comes to your risk for gum disease. Avoid the following foods or consume them in moderation.

Sugar:

Foods high in sugar, such as candy, soda, and ice cream, can increase the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Eating a diet filled with sugar can increase your risk or worsen the condition if you already have it.

Processed Foods:

Highly processed foods often have ingredients that are harmful to oral health. This includes many snack foods, such as chips, crackers, bread, and pastries. Avoid these due to their harmful effects on your oral and overall health.

Acidic Foods:

Highly acidic foods, in combination with poor oral health, can increase your risk for gum disease. Acidic foods and drinks can erode your tooth’s enamel. This can increase your risk for infection and other harmful oral health issues. If you eat acidic foods, rinse right after you eat with plain water. Brush your teeth 30 minutes later to protect your enamel.

Alcohol:

Dehydration can cause dry mouth. When consuming alcohol, it is easy to get dehydrated. Dry mouth can increase the growth of harmful bacteria. This can increase your risk of infection. Avoid alcohol if you have gum disease or are at high risk for the condition.

Causes and Risk Factors of Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If left there, it can harden into tartar. Regular dental visits and a healthy oral care routine can prevent it. This is why it is necessary to visit the dentist at least every six months. For those with a history of gum disease or tooth decay you may need to visit the dentist more often. Talk with your dentist about your level of risk and how often you should visit the dentist.

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk for gum disease. In addition to poor oral hygiene and not visiting the dentist regularly, there are additional risk factors. This includes your family history, certain medical conditions, hormonal changes, and certain medications. Talking with your dentist about your level of risk is important. They can help provide you with tips on how to ensure you stay healthy and reduce your risk of the condition.

Treatment for Gum Disease

Treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include pain, temperature sensitivity, gum recession, bad breath, loose teeth, redness and inflammation in your gums, and bleeding when you brush your teeth. Seeking treatment from a periodontist right away is necessary.

Treatment can come in many forms and depends on the patient. If treated early, you may just need a professional deep cleaning. However, more advanced cases may result in more serious periodontal treatment. This can include surgery or extraction. Early intervention is key and can ensure that your oral health stays in good shape. Schedule an appointment with the team at LA Wilshire Periodontics today if you experience any symptoms of gum disease.