Periodontal Disease Research Paper

Periodontal disease is common in the United States, with approximately half of adults over 30 having at least a mild case. Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease causes problems as minor as bad breath and as severe as tooth loss. Those with periodontal disease are also more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease, although dentists admit they aren't sure why. Just as diet plays a role in your overall health, eating the right foods reduces your risk of periodontal disease and problems. Here are some foods to add to your diet for better oral health.

Yogurt

A healthy diet is no substitute for proper dental care from a skilled dentist, but eating yogurt after meals may help keep your gums healthy. As periodontal disease advances, pockets form between the teeth and the gums. Bacteria hides in these pockets, causing the gums to become inflamed and infected. The probiotics in yogurt foster an environment that kills this bacteria, helping to keep your gums healthy. When adding yogurt to your diet, choose options that contain live yogurt cultures but only small amounts of sugar.
Uncooked veggies actually scrub your teeth during all this chewing, acting as a natural toothbrush. The act of chewing also tells the body to create more saliva to wash the teeth. This combination of scrubbing and washing is a great way to clean your mouth when your toothbrush isn't handy, and a clean mouth is one less likely to develop periodontal issues and diseases. Celery, carrots, cucumbers, spinach and peppers are all good for your teeth when eaten raw.