Foods that cause gum recession

Factors that contribute or aggravate gum recession are involving diet habits. There are two categories of foods that can harm the gums: sweet foods and acidic foods.

Sweet foods include desserts and drinks containing high level of sugar, candies, caramel, chocolate, honey, etc. By sticking to the teeth and creating a friendly environment for bacteria, these foods not only cause tooth decay but gum problems as well. Gingiva start to inflame, bleed or to pull away from the teeth exposing the sensitive teeth surface.

Acidic foods include fruit such as lemons, cranberries, certain apples, oranges, grapes, and generally green (unripened) fruit. Fruit juices are acidic as well and contain natural sugars. Further, most of them, have sugar as additive. Acidic foods usually harm the teeth by eroding the enamel and exposing the dentine. As result, gum recession can occur.

If you have gum recession, try to avoid them, or at least, do not eat these foods too often. After eating a fruit or something sweet, take a bite of a "permitted" food (vegetables, bread, a meal, etc) and brush your teeth after this.


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