Have a gum infection? It’s time to choose your food wisely
If plaque and bacteria has built up in your mouth causing discomfort and gum inflammation, you may have a gum infection. In these cases, it’s best to visit your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, there are foods you should avoid when your gums aren’t in their best condition. These foods can irritate your gums and in some cases advance the infection. The most important foods to avoid are those that are high in sugar. Sugary foods/drinks such as sodas, energy drinks, and non-natural fruit juices not only cause major damage to your teeth in the long run, but they’re a hazard if you have a gum infection. When you drink soda or chew sugared gum, you’re basically bathing your teeth in sugar. Also, these products are often highly acidic, which can de-mineralize your teeth and harm your already infected gums. Try sipping some water or herbal tea instead of those pesky sugar drinks. If tea is too hot or water is too cold, drinking at a lukewarm temperature should not hurt your gums.
Sugar is not the only thing to blame
Foods that are high in sodium nitrate will also aggravate your gums. Stay away from hot dogs, lunch meats and any processed meat. Even lean deli meat like turkey contains sodium nitrate. If you have to pack a lunch for school or work, try soft brown or whole wheat bread with a slice or two of non-processed cheese. If your gums are sensitive from their infection, you may not be able to chew hard foods. If this is the case and you are forced to slurp soup, don’t buy the canned variety. Canned or dry soup contains sodium, fat and sometimes BPA which is used to line the cans. If you can make your own soup, you can avoid all of the aforementioned items from contacting your mouth.
Alcohol does not help, either
Alcoholic beverages should be avoided when you have a gum infection. Alcohol hinders the function of the immune and digestive systems, which can lead to periodontal disease. If the body can’t fight off the bacteria in the mouth properly, there’s a chance of having major problems with your gums. If they’re already infected, you don’t want the infection to get worse because you’ve had few drinks.
Although it’s not food, it’s worth mentioning: smoking will greatly harm your gums. Stay away from tobacco products completely when you have a gum infection. If you can stay away from them forever, that’s even better. Gum infections can last longer than necessary by being irritated by harsh foods or drinks. If you have a gum infection, follow these dietary guidelines and visit your dentist as soon as possible.