The most important thing you can do to avoid gum disease is to maintain good dental hygiene. However, you can safeguard your dental health even more by avoiding specific foods and drinks that can harm your gums. Continue reading to learn more about how our expert dentists at Laveen Dental in Laveen, AZ can help protect your gums.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums and has the potential to spread to the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, begins with the growth and multiplication of bacteria in the mouth. 

Causes of Gum Disease

Plaque buildup on teeth and along the gum line is frequently the source of gum disease. Plaque is a bacteria-filled sticky film. With an inflammatory response, the immune system works to get rid of plaque. The gums around the tooth will be red and swollen, indicating this.

In the mouth, everyone has a variety of microorganisms. When bacteria feed on the sugars in the meals and drinks you ingest, plaque is generated regularly. Plaque creates an ideal environment for gum disease-causing bacteria to grow and flourish.

Foods to Avoid for Healthier Gums

Sugar

It's still sugar, whether it's brown sugar, refined white sugar, or honey. What matters most is how often you eat, not how much you eat. Sugar creates an acidic environment in your mouth that lasts for a few hours after you eat it. You'll be continuously bathing your teeth in acid if you drink or consume sugar every couple of hours, which can damage your tooth enamel.

Alcoholic Beverages

You may not realize it, but drinking alcohol can ruin your teeth and gums. Alcohol affects all of the soft tissues of the mouth, reducing the production of saliva, which helps to wash away food particles and protects against acids.

Chocolates and Solid Candies

Sugar-filled candies and chocolates are also detrimental to our dental health. These sticky nasty eatables stick to the teeth and stay in the mouth for longer periods, attracting bacteria and developing dental problems. Crushing hard candies is also bad for your teeth's stability.

Citrus and Acidic Foods

Tomatoes, raw mangoes, and lemon, which are high in acid and citrus, can induce tooth decay if ingested entirely without any other foods.

To learn more about how to maintain your oral and gum health, contact Laveen Dental at (602) 237-7878 or visit us at 5130 W. Baseline Rd, Ste 111, Laveen, AZ 85339.