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Good dental hygiene is the most important thing you can do to prevent gum disease. However, to protect your oral health even further, you can also avoid certain foods and drinks that may negatively affect your gums. 

Keep reading to learn more about how to protect your gums according to our skilled dentists at Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry in Palo Alto, California.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease develops when plaque accumulates between the teeth and beneath and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled film-like substance. It can cause infections that affect the gums and bone, resulting in gum disease and tooth decay. 

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which is a severe form of gum disease that can cause gum infections and eventually lead to tooth loss.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Gums

• Brush twice a day
• Floss
• Get regular dental cleanings
• Quit smoking
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash

Foods to Avoid to Keep Your Gums Healthy

If you want to protect your gums, you should avoid these foods and drinks:

• White Bread

White bread contains sugar, which is unhealthy for your teeth and gums. Furthermore, it can get stuck between your teeth and become a feeding ground for bacteria that causes plaque and, eventually, gum disease.

• Citrus Fruits

While citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and offer numerous health advantages, their acidic nature can be damaging to your tooth enamel and gums. To protect your teeth and gums, you should rinse your mouth with water after consuming these types of fruits to reduce acidity.

• Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are rarely a healthy choice as they contain both sugars and acids that are bad for your teeth. As much as possible, try to limit your intake of sports drinks. 

• Potato Chips 

This tempting snack has a sticky texture and often gets caught between your teeth. In doing so, it encourages acid-producing bacteria to proliferate and can also cause your mouth to dry up. This can cause plaque accumulation and, eventually, gum disease.

To learn more about how to maintain your oral and gum health, contact Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry at (650) 322-9837 or visit us at 853 Middlefield Rd. Suite 2, Palo Alto, CA 94301.