Yummy Gummies
Go ahead. Run your tongue across the front of your teeth and gums. What sensation are you experiencing? Does it tickle at all? If you just brushed and flossed, you’re probably getting a nice smooth and fresh taste on your tongue. If you just ate a burger, your tongue-running-along-your-gums experience, might be a bit disturbing to you. Were you aware that there are foods and drinks that can make your gums yummier?
What are yummy gums?
Healthy gums are yummy gums. These are signs that you have healthy gums.
- If you have healthy gums, they should be pale pink in color. Keep in mind that your racial makeup may be a factor in the color of your gums and make them appear darker. If you have darker skin, your gums also tend to be darker, making uniformity of color important.
- Your gums should be anchoring your teeth well. Your teeth should be snug and firm in your mouth. They should not feel wiggly or loose.
- Your gums should not be swollen. They should be firm.
- Your gums should not be sensitive or sore.
- Your gums should sit flush with the teeth, with no flaps, pockets, or places where they appear to be receding from the tooth.
Keeping your gums in their optimal yumminess state is easy! Foods you eat, proper care and some spoiling of your gums are easy ways to care for your gums.
Foods To Feed Your Gums
- Food rich in calcium and phosphorous are the building blocks of enamel, and consuming foods rich in them is a necessity if you want to keep your teeth strong and healthy. The best sources of calcium are yogurt, cheese (hard, aged), seafood, milk, tofu and almond. The best sources of phosphorous are pumpkin seeds, fish, Brazil nuts, red meat, eggs and tofu.
- Hard and crunchy foods that contain lots of water are great for your teeth in more than one way. Chewing produces more saliva, which is the best natural neutralizer of the bacteria that causes cavities. The texture of these foods also makes them naturally abrasive, so they gently scrub and clean teeth surfaces, removing plaque and food particles. It has to be raw fruits and veggies; chips do not count as firm and crunchy foods. Your best options are celery, apples, cucumbers and carrots.
- Vitamin D is crucial for your overall health, but it’s really important if you want healthy teeth as well. It helps your body absorb calcium better. Spend a little time in the sunlight, eat fish, egg yolks, and cod liver oil.
- Foods rich in Vitamin C are powerful! Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels and reduces inflammation, which may help your gums stay healthier. It also is required for the production of collagen, a key protein that helps you fight periodontal disease. Foods rich in Vitamin C are bell peppers, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli and kale.
Care For Your Gums
- Floss at least once a day
- Get professional dental cleanings at least every 6 months
- Stop smoking
- Brush gently twice a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste in moderation
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
Spoil Your Gums
Who doesn’t want a massage every once in awhile? Never, have we ever, heard of anyone turning down a free massage. Your gums won’t turn down your offer for a free massage either! Massaging your gums will help flush out plague and cellular fluids. It will improve the circulation in your gums as well.
To massage your gums, take some coconut oil on a clean finger and massage your gums gently in a circular motion on the inside and outside and then on the upper jaw and lower jaw.
The Not-So-Yummy-Gummies
When your gums are suffering, they may have Periodontal Disease or gum disease. This is a progressive disease that affects the supporting and surrounding tissue of the gums. It begins when the toxins found in plaque start to attack the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. This bacterium embeds itself in the gums and rapidly breeds, causing a bacterial infection. There are many varieties of gum disease. Gingivitis is the mildest form. Periodontal diseases progressively get worse and can be very aggressive.
At Les Belles NYC, we believe a healthy life begins with a healthy mouth. Book your appointment today so we can discuss all of your dental needs, you deserve the very best!
