It is important to make sure that you are taking care of your oral health, especially your gums. Healthy gums support healthy, strong teeth. You always hear about how what you eat contributes or detracts from your oral health. That is also true for what you drink. Super sugary, acidic beverages such as coffee, wine, and dark tea should be enjoyed in moderation. However, not all beverages are bad for your oral health, particularly for your gums.  These beverages can boost your oral health and are also easy to purchase at the grocery store. Here are three ways to drink your way to healthier gums.

Green tea

The American Academy of Periodontology recommends drinking green tea for healthier gums. In a study, it was found that people who drank green tea reported fewer symptoms associated with gingivitis. They experienced reductions in bleeding of their gums upon probing, inflammation, and tissue loss. It is thought that catechin, an antioxidant in green tea, is the agent that confers health benefits. It reduces inflammation throughout the body, which may allow the gums to heal themselves when gingivitis bacteria is trying to infect the gum tissue. Green tea can be served warm or cold.

Orange juice

A recent study found that higher levels of vitamin C in the bloodstream can help fight your incidence of periodontitis, a common form of gum disease. Vitamin C is found in high concentrations in citrus fruits. Oranges are one of the most popular citrus fruits that are available as juices. Drinking orange juice helps to boost your immune system and also helps to decrease your incidence of gum disease. If oranges are not your favorite, you can also try cutie juice, lemonade, and limeade. Make sure that you dilute very sugary juices with water to reduce your risk of suffering from tooth decay.

Cranberry juice

Research suggests that cranberry juice may help to reduce your risk of suffering from gum disease as well. In studies, molecules in cranberry juice disrupted oral bacteria's ability to adhere to the teeth and gums of the participants. Without the ability to adhere to the tissues, the bacteria was not able to create an infection in the mouth. In particular, drinking 25% cranberry juice was effective at keeping bacteria accumulating on an artificial tooth surface. Many cranberry juices in markets have sugar added because cranberries are tart; make sure that you dilute the juice with water.

For more information about how food and drinks affect your oral health, see a professional like Tony Parsley, DMD or your local dentist.

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