Certain foods are actually great for gum health. "Fibrous foods like celery, apples, carrots, and cucumbers naturally clean the surface of teeth and also massage and promote good circulation in the gums, which helps tame inflammation," Layliev says. Plus, he says chewing these foods churns up more saliva to wash away food particles.

Also load up on antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like leafy greens, berries, oranges, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. "Diets rich in antioxidants enhance the overall health of the body and therefore gum health," Layliev says. They bolster your immune system to help battle oral bacteria and stave off infections, says Newhouse.