You know that acidic foods are not good for your teeth. They can wear down the enamel, and your teeth could end up damaged over time.
What about your gums? Are acidic items bad for your gums as well? Unfortunately, the answer is yes, acidic foods can injure your gums. That does not mean that you need to avoid them. You just need to be careful.
Common Acidic Items
You probably know that citrus fruits, tomatoes, and pickles are acidic, but those are just a few. Did you know that vegetable oils, grains, and even dairy are acidic as well? That does not mean that you need to avoid these foods in order to have healthy gums. You just need to have a plan.
Managing the Acidity
It would be next to impossible to avoid all acidic foods, especially on an American diet. Instead, you need to make sure that you do not let that acid stay on your teeth or gums. After you eat or drink anything that is acidic, it is not a bad idea to drink a little bit of water. Swish it around in your mouth so that it can clean. You will also want to brush after each meal. Use a soft toothbrush, and do not brush only your teeth.
Gently clean your gums as well, so that they will stay healthy. Teach your children to do the same.
You do not need to give up all of your favorite foods and beverages because you are worried about the acid hurting your gums. Instead, you just need to take good care of your teeth.
Do what you can at home, and make sure that you see us on a regular basis. If you are having a problem with your gums, make an appointment immediately. The sooner we address it, the better.