Brushing Teeth Alone Is Not Enough, Eating Patterns Can Be the Root of Gum Damage

Illustration of maintaining dental and oral health. (Image: Pexels/Karola G)

JAKARTA - In maintaining oral health, not only teeth that must be considered, but also gums. To take care of it, it is not enough to just brush your teeth, but also have to be accompanied by a healthy diet.

Professor of Periodontology from the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Padjajaran, Prof. Dr. Amaliya, drg, M.Sc, Ph.D, said that the recommended diet to maintain gum health is the consumption of real food.

Real food is natural food that is minimally or unprocessed, rich in nutrients, and free of harmful additives, such as preservatives, dyes, or artificial sweeteners.

"We must encourage and promote healthy food programs or real food. Food has a great influence on health and lifestyle (including gums)," said Prof. Amaliya, when met in Cipete, Jakarta, written Friday, December 19, 2025.

Generally, real food ingredients come from vegetables, fruits, and meat that are rich in nutrients. The spices used are also not excessive.

Thus, these foods usually contain higher vitamins. Starting from vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, which are very good for dental and gum health.

"Substances that are very good for preventing inflammation, antioxidants to ward off free radicals, and to protect us from bacteria that cause teeth and gums," he explained.

Vitamin C can help produce collagen that strengthens the gum tissue, has antioxidant properties to fight free radicals, and prevents inflammation. Meanwhile, zinc can help fight the bacteria that cause plaque, which is one of the main triggers of gum disease.

Meanwhile, vitamin E has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation, protect gum tissue from damage, and speed up healing.

In addition, to better maintain the health of teeth, gums, and mouth, the consumption of sweet or high-calorie foods should be limited. Especially in children who tend to like these foods.

"Children eat a lot of high-sugar foods. Sugar consumption was first associated with cavities. It turns out, not only cavities, but also increases or induces inflammation in the gums," concluded Prof. Amaliya.