These 2 Surprising Foods Could Lower Your Risk of Gum Disease, According to a New Study

More than 42 percent of adults older than 30 have gum disease , so if you’re one of them, you’re far from alone. Especially common in men, older populations and people who smoke, gum disease causes periodontitis symptoms such as puffy gums, tender gums that bleed easily, receding gum line, bad breath that won’t go away, and pus between your teeth and gums.

General dental care, like brushing and flossing your teeth regularly , is always a smart move to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. Keeping your mouth healthy helps other parts of your body stay healthy too, as periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, increased stroke risk and diabetes.

Related: If Your Gums Bleed Every Time You Floss, Here’s What Dentists Want You to Know

Other than brushing and flossing daily, your dentist has probably told you to be mindful about consuming tons of sweet foods and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. However, there’s one pair of sweet, fruity snacks that can actually lower your risk of gum disease, according to a recent study in Foods : citrus fruits and coconuts. Talk about a mouthwatering tropical combination!

How These Foods Help Prevent Gum Disease

More specifically, a compound in grapefruits and coconuts is what’s beneficial for your mouth. Called prunin laurate, or Pru-C12, it targets harmful bacteria—particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis —and is gentler than traditional mouthwashes. This compound also prevents bacteria from forming biofilms, which essentially secures the bacteria, making it harder to get rid of.

Related: Dentists Are Begging You to Ditch a Super-Popular Product—Here’s Why

The prunin comes from the grapefruit peel, and the lauric acid is found in coconut oil (and breast milk). The substance these two create is the bacteria-killer we're talking about. In the future, it may be incorporated into dental products you see on the shelves.

So is the answer to bite into a grapefruit peel? Or dunk it in coconut oil, cookies-and-milk style? Probably not. Rather, these research findings give us hope that future mouthwashes and other dental care products will be more natural, less harsh and maybe even better for our mouths.

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Related: The #1 Habit Dentists Want You To Skip for a Lifetime of Healthy Teeth and Gums (It's Not Avoiding Sugar)

Sources

• Prunin Laurate Derived from Natural Substances Shows Antibacterial Activity against the Periodontal Pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis , Foods
• Gum disease: By the numbers , NIH MedlinePlus Magazine
• Periodontitis , Mayo Clinic
• Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) , Cleveland Clinic