Gums are home to teeth, with healthy gums so that dental health will be well maintained. Gum disease starts from plaque which is a collection of food scraps. If not cleaned, plaque can cause gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).
Symptoms can be recognized when there is swelling or bleeding when brushing your teeth. If gingivitis is not immediately treated, this can cause periodontitis (an infection of the gums that damages soft tissue and supporting teeth) where it can spread to the bones and supporting tissues of the teeth.
This condition needs to be treated immediately because it can cause tooth loss. Usually, many periodontitis affects adolescents. Meanwhile, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), signs that you may be suffering from gum disease include: the gums bleed easily, long-lasting discomfort, swollen gums, and have a soft texture.
Basically, healthy gums will not bleed from brushing your teeth or if touched. Pink, tight, and can hold teeth firmly are the main characteristics of the ideal gum.
Healthy Diet
Besides the activity of brushing teeth that can keep the condition of the gums healthy, there are some foods and drinks that are believed to maintain gum health, including:
1. Strawberries and kiwi
Vitamin C is very important for maintaining healthy gum tissue. Vitamin C can increase collagen production. Without collagen, the gums will be susceptible to infection. Kiwi and strawberries are fruits that have a high concentration of vitamin C. To note, when you drink coffee or wine, the gums can experience discoloration. Well, these two fruits are believed to be able to restore gum color.2. Tea
Green tea and black tea contain substances called polyphenols. Polyphenols are high antioxidants that can slow the development of bacteria that cause dental caries and gum disease. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, polyphenols have antioxidants ten times higher than vitamin C.Another benefit of polyphenols, especially in black tea, is that it can reduce the rate of growth of bacteria that produce components that cause bad breath. That way, even the mouth can be free from bad smells.
3. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are a good source of vegetable protein for the body. The ingredients contained in it are phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc and calcium. Of all these ingredients, calcium is the most important substance, especially to keep bones and teeth strong. In addition, calcium is also believed to contribute to remineralization of teeth. Almonds and sesame seeds are one of the foods that have high calcium values.4. Garlic
Garlic provides many benefits, especially if eaten raw. Having a strong antimicrobial compound, garlic is believed to eliminate bacteria found in the mouth. However, if you cannot eat raw, you can mix it with other foods.5. Raisins
The habit of eating raisins turned out to be good for gum health. Raisins are a pitokemikal source that can kill bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. The sweetness of raisins is not dangerous because it does not contain sucrose but is a natural sweetener.6. Apples, celery and fibrous foods
Eating one apple after a meal can prevent you from gum disease. Because this fruit has a low acid level, it can help improve discoloration of the teeth. Meanwhile, celery contains a good source of vitamin C to cure inflammation.Meanwhile, foods that have high fiber have the same benefits as brushing teeth. By eating fibrous foods, it will automatically clean the surface of the teeth - which in turn can prevent the growth of plaque.
Healthy gums are the basis for having healthy teeth. Therefore, if you experience gum problems and are not immediately treated this can develop into a serious illness. Keep your gums healthy, one of them is by paying attention to food intake.
