As dental professionals, we recognize that it takes much more than regular dental cleanings for patients to achieve optimal oral health. In fact, proper at-home oral hygiene is the number one way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. When we say, at-home oral hygiene we don’t just mean brushing and flossing—diet is a major part of it too.

Many studies have proven that a nutritious diet limits the amount of professional and extensive dental care a person needs. Foods have the ability to heal and maintain our bodies from the inside out. Because of this, we encourage our patients to avoid consuming too much sugar and abide by a mouth-healthy diet.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with periodontal disease, eat more of these nutrients to stop the disease from progressing:

1.    CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant in the body that the cells use for growth and maintenance. CoQ10 is held in the mitochondria of the cell and protects the cells from disease-causing bacteria and viruses.

As we age, our body produces less and less of this enzyme. Unfortunately, that often leads to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even periodontal disease. We recommend eating more of the following foods that contain Co-enzyme Q10:

• Organ meats such as the heart, liver, and kidney
• Muscle meats like pork, beef, and chicken
• Fatty fish such as trout, sardines, mackerel, and herring
• Spinach, cauliflower, and broccoli
• Oranges and strawberries
• Legumes
• Nuts and seeds like sesame seeds and pistachios
• Soybean and canola oil

2.    Collagen

Collagen degradation is one of the defining factors of periodontal disease. This is a reaction of the gums to inflammation caused by the diseased bacteria. As a result, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth; we call this gum recession.

To maintain the strength and health of your gums, eat foods that are high in collagen, such as:

• Grass-fed beef
• Chicken
• Bone broth
• Egg whites
• Citrus fruits
• Red and tallow vegetables
• Garlic

3.    Catechins

Catechins have incredible antioxidant effects in our bodies. Because of this, they are extremely helpful in fighting against the bacteria in our mouths that cause gum disease.

Green tea is one of the greatest sources of catechins and has been proven over and over to decrease the symptoms of gum disease. If you’re not a fan of green tea or just want a little variety, these foods and beverages also contain significant amounts of catechins:

• Apples
• Blackberries
• Dark chocolate
• Red wine
• Black tea
• Cherries
• Guava
• Pears
• Sweet potatoes

4.    Vitamin C

By now, we all know that Vitamin C is essential for fighting against all kinds of sickness and disease. additionally, Vitamin C can help regenerate the gums and make collagen more effective. Foods such as oranges, broccoli, green and red pepper, leafy greens, and tomatoes are all high in Vitamin C.

5.    Beta Carotene

One way our bodies reduce inflammation (one of the first signs of periodontal disease) is by turning beta carotene into Vitamin A. Beta carotene also helps the gums heal faster and better. Some of the best sources of beta-carotene include:

• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Kale
• Cantaloupe
• Winter squash
• Apricots

6.    Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely beneficial to our overall wellness. They help our bodies function properly and also improve the quality of life for people with rheumatoid arthritis, depression, asthma, and ADHD. Additionally, omega-3s are an anti-inflammatory so they decrease symptoms of periodontal disease.

Eat more of the following to increase levels of omega 3:

• Fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines
• Nuts and seeds like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts
• Flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil

Periodontal Disease Treatment in Grant Park

Consuming the right nutrients alone won’t reverse or stop gum disease. Patients must seek professional treatment.

At Smiles for Grant Park, Dr. Abbey J. Lee offers gentle care and modern technology to treat all forms of periodontal disease. Call our office today at (404) 328-7177 to schedule your initial consultation.