Periodontal Disease and Nutrition

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the largest threats to a patient’s oral health—leading to gum recession and tooth loss if it is left untreated. Many patients assume it is solely the result of poor oral hygiene, but there are other factors that play a role into the health of your teeth and gums. One of these factors is nutrition and dieting—you can learn more about how what you eat and drink plays a part in your oral health.

What Role Does Diet Play?

The leading cause of plaque buildup is sugar and other refined carbohydrates on a person’s diet. By consuming these foods, it creates an acidic environment which is the perfect arena for plaque forming bacteria to grow and thrive. Not only that, but sugar consumption also lessens your immune system which makes your oral health more susceptible to periodontal disease as you lack the vitamins needed for healing. Even alcoholic drinks play a role in periodontal disease—causing patients to have an increased risk for as a result of reduced levels of B vitamins, blood clotting inhibition, and bone formation suppression. Alcohol consumption also causes your mouth to be dehydrated leading to the bad bacteria not getting easily washed away by saliva—resulting in faster plaque formation.

Nutritional Treatment

While good oral hygiene and plaque control measures are vital to treating periodontal disease, there are nutritional therapy options as well. First, it is important to nail the basics like eating fresh, natural roods like fruit, beans, seeds, vegetables, fish, and whole grains. High fiber can be good for you as well as it promotes saliva which is vital to protecting your teeth form gum disease. You’ll want to avoid damaged fats, alcohol, salt, and artificial foods if possible as these contribute towards plaque accumulation.

Learn About Nutrition

Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can be one of the leading causes of periodontal disease—making a balanced nutrition crucial to keep your oral health in good condition. If you have any immediate questions about nutrition and the impact it can have on your oral health, feel free to reach out as we would be happy to help you. If you would like to make an appointment, our trained periodontists based in Phoenix can discuss with you your specific nutritional habits and needs to ensure that you’re eating right to keep your mouth happy and healthy.

Woman smiling in bathroom mirror touching her face

Osseous Surgery: Restoring Oral Health in the Battle Against Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can range from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis, with symptoms like gum inflammation, bleeding, and even tooth loss. When gum disease[…]

Read More

Senior man outside smiling while sitting at a table

How to Get Affordable Dental Implants

Having a bright and confident smile can significantly impact our self-esteem and overall well-being. However, dental procedures, especially dental implants, can be quite expensive, leaving many individuals hesitant to invest in their oral health. But fear not! There are ways[…]

Read More

Female denture patient holding a hand mirror, smiling in dental chair

Denture Replacement: Regain Your Confident Smile

Dentures have been a popular solution for replacing missing teeth for many years. However, just like natural teeth, dentures can wear out, become ill-fitting, or lose their functionality over time. In such cases, denture replacement becomes necessary to restore optimal[…]

Read More