Great oral health starts with the gums. While most people focus on the teeth, gums are just as important – in many ways, even more critical, since they hold the teeth in place. The foundation for a healthy smile is rooted (literally) in clean, healthy gums.
And that’s especially important for children. According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis) are closely linked. About 1 in 5 children aged 5-11 have at least one decayed tooth, which is a direct result of gingivitis. About 60% of U.S. children show signs of gum disease.
The Super Dentists, San Diego’s premier pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and parent dentistry practice, thinks everyone deserves a winning smile – and it starts with good teeth and gum care. Not sure how to strengthen gums naturally, or which foods are ideal for healthy gums? Let’s look at some different ways your child can boost their gum health – which ultimately leads to overall wellbeing!
Healthy Gums vs. Unhealthy Gums – The Big Difference in Oral Health
How can you tell if your child’s gums are healthy? Inflammation and bleeding are two obvious signs of unhealthy gums. If your child experiences bleeding while brushing or flossing, there’s a good chance they have early onset gingivitis.
Other signs of unhealthy gums include:
- Receding gum line
- Areas of white spots on the gums
- Pockets between teeth and gums
- Loss of tissue and bone (this indicates severe gingivitis)
Your child’s gums should be pink or red, with no receding. Also, their gums shouldn’t bleed from brushing or flossing. Keeping their gums (and your gums) healthy is just as important for oral health as it is for overall health; numerous studies show links between poor oral health (including gingivitis) and other health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity and more.
How to Strengthen Gums Naturally | Food for Healthy Gums
Aside from smart, disciplined at-home oral health – regular brushing & flossing, and scheduling dental visits – one other way to strengthen gums naturally is with a sensible diet of mouth-friendly foods. Keep your child’s sugar intake limited, and make sure they drink plenty of water (instead of sugary soft drinks and fruit juice).
Additionally, here are some foods for healthy gums that can help strengthen gums naturally:
- Apples – considered Mother Nature’s floss by some experts, apples have natural acids that help clean teeth and gums. What’s more, the fruit’s skin acts as a natural flossing mechanism to keep gums healthy! Encourage your child to eat an apple for dessert!
- Dairy products – calcium is essential for healthy teeth and gums, and few foods can match dairy for concentrated calcium content. Sugar-free yogurt, milk and cheese are smart options here.
- Fibrous vegetables – fiber is an underrated ingredient for healthy gums. Fibrous veggies take extra chewing to break down, which prompts extra saliva production. The saliva, in turn, washes away harmful bacteria to keep gums free of food particles and plaque.
- Ginger root – this pungent herb isn’t normally considered a mouth-friendly food, but it has naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds to promote healthy teeth and gums. Try some in a stir fry for your next family meal. Instead of jarred ginger, go with freshly grated ginger root.
Ensure Optimal Gum Health – Visit The Super Dentists Today!
A great smile starts with solid gum health. The Super Dentists, San Diego’s largest and most trusted pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and parent dentistry practice, is here to help with your family’s oral healthcare needs. From our innovative dental care techniques to patient-friendly atmosphere, The Super Dentists looks forward to seeing you soon!
Stop by any of six San Diego-area offices today, and give your child an experience that’s as extraordinary as they are. We’re conveniently located throughout the San Diego metro area.
You can also call The Super Dentists at 1 (855) GO SUPER, or text us at 1 (844) 765-1234. Thanks for visiting The Super Dentists!