I have been a patient of Dr Juan Lopez for many years. He is the best! I needed an implant and the results were awesome! No problems whatsoever with it. It look great! I would recommend him and his staff if you are looking for a dentist. They are friendly, kind, and caring. I have never been disappointed in any procedure I have had there. A shout out to my hygienist Jennifer! She is awesome and deserves a raise! 😁
February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, making it a great time to look beyond brushing and flossing and focus on how food choices affect your oral health.
What you eat plays a major role in keeping your gums strong and resistant to infection. With the right nutrients and daily habits, you can support your body’s natural defenses and prevent gum disease in Lawton more effectively. At Lopez Dental Associates, we encourage patients to see nutrition as an important part of their gum care routine.
Call our office today at 580-246-4488 to schedule your next dental checkup.
Why Nutrition Matters for Gum Health
Your gums are living tissue that need proper nutrients to stay firm and healthy. When your diet lacks vitamins and minerals, your gums may become more sensitive, inflamed, or prone to bleeding. Poor nutrition can also weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Healthy food choices help reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and keep your mouth better balanced. Nutrition works alongside daily oral hygiene and professional dental care to protect your gums.
Essential Vitamins for Strong Gums
Certain vitamins are especially important when it comes to preventing gum disease:
- Vitamin C supports gum tissue repair and helps reduce bleeding. Low levels of vitamin C are often linked to swollen or tender gums. You can find it in oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
- Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and supports immune health. This vitamin plays a role in keeping both your gums and the bone beneath them strong. Sources include sunlight, fortified dairy products, eggs, and fatty fish.
- Calcium strengthens teeth and jawbone structure, which helps support healthy gums. Dairy products, leafy greens, almonds, and tofu are good sources.
Including these nutrients regularly can help your gums stay more resilient.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods That Support Gum Health
Gum disease is driven by inflammation, so eating foods that calm inflammation can help protect your gums. Anti-inflammatory foods support healing throughout the body, including in the mouth.
Helpful choices include:
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Fatty fish such as salmon
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil
- Colorful fruits like berries
These foods don’t just benefit your gums—they also support heart health and overall wellness.
Hydration Helps Keep Bacteria in Check
Water is one of the simplest tools for gum health. Drinking plenty of water helps your body produce saliva, which naturally washes away food particles and bacteria. Saliva also helps neutralize acids that irritate gums and weaken enamel.
Choosing water over sugary or acidic drinks is a simple step toward helping prevent gum disease in Lawton. Sipping water throughout the day—especially after meals—helps keep your mouth clean and refreshed.
Foods to Limit for Healthier Gums
Some foods make it easier for bacteria to thrive. Sugary snacks and drinks feed harmful bacteria, while sticky foods cling to teeth and gumlines longer. Acidic beverages can also irritate gum tissue.
You don’t have to eliminate these foods completely, but limiting them and rinsing with water afterward can help reduce their impact on your gums.
Nutrition Works Best With Professional Care
Even with great nutrition, plaque can still build up below the gumline where brushing can’t reach. That’s why professional care remains essential. At Lopez Dental Associates, we offer deep cleaning treatments to remove bacteria and buildup from beneath the gums when needed. This type of care helps reduce inflammation and gives gums the chance to heal.
When professional treatment is paired with good nutrition and daily oral care, it creates a strong defense against gum disease.
Small Changes Make a Big Difference
You don’t need a perfect diet to support your gum health. Small, steady changes—like adding more vegetables to meals, drinking more water, or choosing nuts instead of sugary snacks—can have a lasting impact.
This Gum Disease Awareness Month, take a proactive step toward healthier gums. Call Lopez Dental Associates today at 580-246-4488 to schedule an exam and learn how better nutrition and professional care can help you prevent gum disease. You can also make an appointment online if you prefer.