Good oral hygiene goes beyond just brushing twice a day. Your healthy gums diet plays a major role in preventing gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy. This guide is for anyone dealing with gum issues, those wanting to prevent periodontal problems, or people simply looking to improve their oral health through better nutrition.

While your toothbrush removes plaque and bacteria, the right foods for gum health can strengthen your gums from the inside out. Anti-inflammatory foods for gums help reduce swelling and bleeding, while certain nutrients actively repair gum tissue and fight harmful bacteria.

We’ll explore the essential nutrients your gums need to stay strong and the power foods that naturally combat gum disease. You’ll also discover which foods to avoid that can worsen gum problems and learn practical meal planning strategies that make maintaining gum health nutrition simple and sustainable.

Essential Nutrients That Strengthen Gum Health

Vitamin C for Collagen Production and Tissue Repair

Vitamin C stands as the cornerstone of healthy gums diet because it directly impacts how your body builds and maintains gum tissue. Your gums rely on collagen, a structural protein that keeps them strong and resilient. Without adequate vitamin C, your body can’t produce enough collagen, leading to weak, bleeding gums that become vulnerable to infection and disease.

The connection between vitamin C and gum health runs deeper than most people realize. This powerful nutrient acts as a cofactor in collagen synthesis, meaning it’s literally required for the chemical reactions that create healthy gum tissue. When vitamin C levels drop, your gums become one of the first areas to show signs of deficiency through inflammation, bleeding, and slow healing.

Research consistently shows that people with higher vitamin C intake have significantly lower rates of periodontal disease. The recommended daily intake for adults ranges from 65-90mg, but many dental professionals suggest higher amounts for optimal gum health. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens provide excellent sources of this essential nutrient.

Vitamin D for Calcium Absorption and Immune Function

Vitamin D plays a dual role in maintaining strong gums through its impact on both mineral absorption and immune system function. This nutrient helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, minerals that keep your teeth and supporting bone structure strong. When your jawbone stays healthy, it provides better support for your gums.

The immune-boosting properties of vitamin D make it particularly valuable for gum disease prevention diet strategies. Your gums face constant bacterial challenges, and vitamin D helps regulate immune responses that fight off harmful microorganisms. Studies reveal that people with adequate vitamin D levels show reduced inflammation markers in their gums and experience fewer episodes of gum disease.

Getting enough vitamin D can be challenging since few foods naturally contain significant amounts. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines provide the best dietary sources. Fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and mushrooms also contribute to intake. Many people need supplements to reach optimal levels, especially those living in areas with limited sunlight exposure.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Reducing Inflammation

Anti-inflammatory foods for gums center around omega-3 fatty acids, which directly combat the inflammatory processes that drive gum disease. These essential fats work at the cellular level to reduce inflammatory markers and help your gums heal from bacterial damage. The two most important omega-3s for gum health are EPA and DHA, found primarily in marine sources.

Clinical trials demonstrate that people who consume adequate omega-3s show measurable improvements in gum health within weeks. These fatty acids help reduce pocket depth between gums and teeth, decrease bleeding, and lower overall inflammation scores. The anti-inflammatory effects extend beyond just treating existing problems – they actively prevent new inflammatory damage from occurring.

Fatty fish provides the most potent source of omega-3s, with salmon, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel leading the pack. Plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts contain ALA, a precursor that your body converts to EPA and DHA, though less efficiently. Including omega-3 rich foods that strengthen gums should happen at least twice weekly for optimal benefits.

Antioxidants for Fighting Harmful Bacteria

The battle between your gums and harmful bacteria requires constant antioxidant support. These protective compounds neutralize free radicals produced by bacterial infections and help maintain the cellular integrity of your gum tissue. Different antioxidants work through various mechanisms, creating a comprehensive defense system when consumed together.

Polyphenols, found abundantly in berries, green tea, and dark chocolate, show particular promise for oral health nutrition. These compounds can actually inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for gum disease while supporting healthy bacterial populations. Flavonoids in foods like apples, onions, and red wine provide additional antimicrobial benefits.

Vitamin E works alongside vitamin C to protect cell membranes in your gums from oxidative damage. Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils supply this fat-soluble antioxidant. Beta-carotene, found in orange and yellow vegetables, converts to vitamin A, supporting tissue repair and maintaining the integrity of your gum’s protective barriers. Creating a diverse antioxidant profile through varied food choices provides the most comprehensive protection for long-term gum health.

Power Foods That Combat Gum Disease

Leafy Greens for Vitamin K and Folate

Spinach, kale, arugula, and other dark leafy greens pack a serious punch when it comes to supporting your gum health. These nutritional powerhouses deliver high concentrations of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone metabolism. When your gums are healthy, they have better wound healing capacity and reduced bleeding tendencies.

Folate, another star nutrient found abundantly in leafy greens, helps repair damaged gum tissue and supports the production of healthy new cells. Research shows that people with adequate folate intake experience significantly less gum inflammation and periodontal disease progression. Swiss chard, collard greens, and romaine lettuce are excellent sources that you can easily incorporate into salads, smoothies, or sautéed dishes.

The anti-inflammatory compounds in leafy greens also help reduce the chronic inflammation that characterizes gum disease. These foods contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, which work together to strengthen your immune system’s ability to fight off harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Fatty Fish for Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and other fatty fish deliver omega-3 fatty acids that act as natural anti-inflammatory agents in your body. These healthy fats help reduce the inflammatory response in your gums, making them less susceptible to infection and disease progression.

Studies have shown that people who regularly consume omega-3 rich fish have lower rates of periodontal disease and less severe gum inflammation. The EPA and DHA found in fatty fish help modulate your immune response, preventing the overactive inflammation that can damage gum tissue and supporting bone structure.

Wild-caught fish typically contains higher concentrations of these beneficial fats compared to farm-raised varieties. Aim to include fatty fish in your gum disease prevention diet at least twice per week. If you’re not a fan of fish, consider fish oil supplements, though whole food sources are generally more effective.

Nuts and Seeds for Healthy Fats and Minerals

Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds provide essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus that support gum health. These nutrients help maintain the structural integrity of your teeth and gums while supporting your body’s natural healing processes.

Zinc, particularly abundant in pumpkin seeds and cashews, has antimicrobial properties that help control harmful bacteria in your mouth. Magnesium works alongside calcium to maintain strong jaw bones and healthy gum attachment. Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 that provides anti-inflammatory benefits similar to those found in fatty fish.

The natural oils in nuts and seeds also help moisturize oral tissues and provide a protective coating that can help prevent bacterial adhesion. Choose raw, unsalted varieties to avoid added sugars and excess sodium that could counteract these benefits.

Green Tea for Natural Antibacterial Compounds

Green tea contains powerful polyphenols, particularly catechins like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which have strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These natural compounds help fight the specific bacteria responsible for gum disease while reducing inflammation in gum tissues.

Regular green tea consumption has been linked to healthier gums, reduced pocket depths, and less bleeding during dental cleanings. The antioxidants in green tea also help neutralize free radicals that can damage gum tissue and accelerate aging processes in your mouth.

White and oolong teas also contain beneficial compounds, though green tea typically has the highest concentration of protective polyphenols. Drinking 2-3 cups daily can provide therapeutic benefits, though avoid adding sugar or honey that could feed harmful bacteria.

Yogurt and Fermented Foods for Probiotics

Plain yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and other fermented foods introduce beneficial bacteria that can help balance your oral microbiome. These probiotics compete with harmful bacteria for space and resources in your mouth, potentially reducing the populations of disease-causing microorganisms.

Certain probiotic strains, particularly Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus salivarius, have shown specific benefits for gum health in clinical studies. These beneficial bacteria can help reduce inflammation, improve gum bleeding, and support overall periodontal health when consumed regularly.

Choose unsweetened, plain varieties to avoid feeding harmful bacteria with added sugars. Greek yogurt provides additional protein that supports tissue repair, while fermented vegetables like sauerkraut offer both probiotics and vitamin C for comprehensive gum support.

Foods That Naturally Clean Your Teeth and Gums

Crunchy Vegetables for Mechanical Plaque Removal

Raw crunchy vegetables work like nature’s toothbrush, scrubbing away plaque and food particles while you chew. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and broccoli create a natural abrasive action against your teeth and gums, helping remove bacterial buildup that can lead to gum disease. This mechanical cleaning process reaches areas that might be missed during regular brushing.

The fibrous texture of these vegetables requires extended chewing, which increases saliva production. Extra saliva helps wash away harmful bacteria and neutralizes acids produced by oral bacteria. Celery stalks are particularly effective because their stringy fibers act like natural dental floss, cleaning between teeth and along the gum line.

Radishes and cucumber slices provide excellent crunch while delivering high water content that helps hydrate gum tissues. Raw broccoli florets contain compounds that actively fight harmful bacteria in your mouth. The key is eating these vegetables in their raw state – cooking softens the fibers and reduces their natural cleaning power.

Make crunchy vegetables a daily habit by keeping pre-cut portions readily available. Pack carrot sticks or bell pepper strips for snacks, add raw vegetables to salads, or enjoy them as appetizers before meals. This simple strategy supports your healthy gums diet while providing essential nutrients your body needs.

Fruits That Stimulate Saliva Production

Certain fruits naturally boost saliva production, creating a protective rinse for your teeth and gums. Apples earn their reputation as nature’s toothbrush because their crisp texture and natural acids stimulate salivary glands while mechanically cleaning tooth surfaces. The malic acid in apples helps break down stains and bacteria.

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons trigger significant saliva flow due to their tartness. However, consume citrus fruits as part of meals rather than alone to minimize acid exposure to tooth enamel. The vitamin C content in citrus fruits also supports gum tissue health and healing.

Pears provide similar benefits to apples with their crisp texture and high water content. They contain natural enzymes that help break down food particles and bacteria. Watermelon’s high water content makes it excellent for hydration while its natural sweetness stimulates gentle saliva production.

Strawberries contain malic acid and vitamin C, making them powerful allies for gum health nutrition. Their seeds provide gentle abrasive action that helps remove surface plaque. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce gum inflammation.

Choose fresh, whole fruits over dried versions, which can stick to teeth and contain concentrated sugars. Eating fruits with meals helps buffer their natural acids and maximizes their cleaning benefits as part of your oral health nutrition strategy.

Cheese for Neutralizing Mouth Acids

Cheese acts as a powerful acid neutralizer in your mouth, creating an environment that’s hostile to harmful bacteria. The calcium and phosphorus in cheese help remineralize tooth enamel while buffering acids produced by bacteria. Hard cheeses like aged cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are particularly effective because they stimulate saliva production and contain higher concentrations of protective minerals.

The casein protein in cheese forms a protective film over teeth, helping prevent acid erosion and bacterial attachment. This natural barrier supports gum disease prevention diet goals by creating unfavorable conditions for harmful bacteria to thrive. Aged cheeses contain natural antimicrobial compounds that actively fight oral bacteria.

Eating a small piece of cheese after meals can quickly raise your mouth’s pH level from acidic to neutral or slightly alkaline. This rapid pH shift helps protect both teeth and gums from acid damage. The mechanical action of chewing firm cheese also helps clean teeth surfaces and massage gum tissues.

Choose natural, minimally processed cheeses for maximum benefits. A small cube of aged cheddar or a slice of Swiss cheese provides significant protective benefits. Even individuals with lactose sensitivity often tolerate aged hard cheeses well because the aging process breaks down most lactose.

Incorporate cheese into your daily routine as a snack, meal component, or dessert replacement. This simple addition to your foods for gum health arsenal provides both immediate protective benefits and long-term nutritional support for stronger, healthier gums.

Hydration and Saliva Production for Gum Protection

Water Intake for Washing Away Bacteria

Your mouth operates like a delicate ecosystem, and water serves as its natural cleansing system. When you drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day, you’re essentially giving your mouth a gentle rinse that helps flush away food particles, bacteria, and debris that can accumulate around your gum line.

The mechanical action of swallowing water creates a washing effect that physically removes harmful bacteria before they can form colonies and produce the toxins that irritate your gums. This simple act becomes even more powerful when you drink water after meals, as it helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria that feed on leftover food particles.

Proper hydration also maintains optimal blood flow to your gums, delivering essential nutrients while carrying away waste products and inflammatory compounds. Well-hydrated gum tissues are more resilient, better able to fight off infection, and quicker to heal from minor injuries or irritation.

Most dental professionals recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water daily, but your needs may vary based on activity level, climate, and overall health. Room temperature water works best for oral health, as extremely cold water can temporarily reduce blood flow to your gums, while very hot water might cause tissue irritation.

Foods That Boost Natural Saliva Flow

Saliva production represents one of your mouth’s most sophisticated defense mechanisms against gum disease. This natural fluid contains enzymes, antibodies, and minerals that actively fight bacteria while maintaining a balanced pH environment that prevents harmful microorganisms from thriving.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery act as natural saliva stimulants. The physical act of chewing these fibrous foods triggers your salivary glands to increase production, creating a self-cleaning effect that benefits your entire mouth. These foods for gum health also provide essential vitamins and minerals that support tissue repair and immune function.

Citrus fruits offer another powerful way to boost saliva flow, though moderation is key. The natural tartness of oranges, grapefruits, and lemons stimulates salivary glands while providing vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis for healthy gum tissue. Always rinse with water after consuming citrus to prevent acid erosion.

Sugar-free gum and mints containing xylitol create sustained saliva production while actively fighting harmful bacteria. Xylitol prevents bacteria from adhering to teeth and gums, making it an excellent addition to your gum health nutrition routine. Chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals to maximize these benefits.

Cheese and other dairy products naturally stimulate saliva while providing calcium and phosphorus that help remineralize teeth. The proteins in dairy also help neutralize acids produced by oral bacteria, creating a more favorable environment for healthy gums.

Avoiding Dehydrating Beverages That Harm Gums

Certain beverages can significantly impact your mouth’s natural protective mechanisms, creating conditions that promote gum inflammation and disease. Understanding which drinks to limit helps you make better choices for your oral health nutrition.

Alcoholic beverages pose multiple threats to gum health. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, reducing overall hydration and decreasing saliva production. This creates a dry mouth environment where harmful bacteria can multiply more easily. Many alcoholic drinks also contain high levels of sugar, providing additional fuel for bacteria that produce gum-irritating acids and toxins.

Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and energy drinks can contribute to dehydration when consumed in excess. While moderate coffee and tea consumption may offer some antioxidant benefits, excessive intake reduces saliva production and can stain teeth. The tannins in these beverages can also contribute to plaque buildup along the gum line.

Sugary sodas and sports drinks create a perfect storm for gum problems. These beverages not only dehydrate your mouth but also feed harmful bacteria while creating an acidic environment that weakens both teeth and gum tissue. The sticky nature of many of these drinks allows sugar to cling to your gum line longer, extending bacterial feeding time.

Beverage Type	Dehydration Risk	Gum Impact	Better Alternative
Alcohol	High	Reduces saliva, feeds bacteria	Water with lemon
Sugary sodas	High	Acidic, bacterial fuel	Sparkling water
Excessive coffee	Moderate	Staining, reduced saliva	Green tea (limited)
Energy drinks	High	Sugar + caffeine dehydration	Water with electrolytes

The timing of beverage consumption also matters for your healthy gums diet. Sipping sugary or acidic drinks throughout the day maintains constant bacterial activity and acid production. Instead, consume these beverages with meals when increased saliva production can help neutralize their effects more quickly.

Foods to Avoid for Optimal Gum Health

Sugary Snacks That Feed Harmful Bacteria

Your mouth hosts millions of bacteria, and the harmful ones absolutely love sugar. When you eat sugary snacks like candy, cookies, pastries, or even seemingly innocent fruit snacks, you’re essentially throwing a feast for the bacteria that cause gum disease. These bacteria consume the sugars and produce acid as a byproduct, which attacks both your teeth and gums.

The real trouble starts when these bacteria multiply rapidly after sugar consumption. They form sticky biofilms called plaque along your gum line, creating an environment where inflammation thrives. This process directly contributes to gingivitis and can progress to more serious periodontal disease if left unchecked.

High-risk sugary foods to minimize:

• Hard candies that dissolve slowly in your mouth
• Gummy bears and chewy candies
• Cookies, cakes, and donuts
• Sweetened breakfast cereals
• Flavored yogurts with added sugars
• Energy bars with high sugar content

Processed Foods High in Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates break down quickly into simple sugars, creating the same bacterial feeding frenzy as direct sugar consumption. White bread, crackers, potato chips, and pasta made from refined flour all convert to sugar rapidly in your mouth. This quick conversion means harmful bacteria get their fuel almost immediately upon contact.

These processed foods often lack the fiber and nutrients found in whole foods, making them particularly problematic for a healthy gums diet. They tend to create an acidic environment in your mouth while providing little nutritional value to support your body’s natural healing processes.

Processed foods that compromise gum health:

• White bread and refined flour products
• Potato chips and similar snack foods
• Instant noodles and processed pasta
• Crackers made with refined grains
• Pretzels and similar baked snacks
• Fast food items with refined ingredients

Acidic Beverages That Weaken Gum Tissue

Acidic drinks create a hostile environment for your gums by lowering the pH level in your mouth. This acidic environment weakens gum tissue and makes it more susceptible to bacterial invasion and inflammation. Soft drinks are particularly damaging because they combine high acidity with sugar content, creating a double threat to gum health.

Even diet sodas pose risks because their acidity can erode protective barriers around your gums. Sports drinks and energy drinks often contain both acid and sugar, making them especially harmful choices for those focusing on gum disease prevention diet strategies.

Acidic beverages to avoid or limit:

• Regular and diet sodas
• Sports and energy drinks
• Citrus juices (especially when consumed frequently)
• Wine and other alcoholic beverages
• Sweetened coffee drinks with added syrups

Sticky Foods That Cling to Teeth

Foods that stick to your teeth and gums create prolonged exposure to harmful substances. These sticky foods become trapped in crevices around your gum line, where bacteria can feed on them for extended periods. The longer these foods remain in contact with your gums, the more opportunity bacteria have to multiply and cause damage.

Dried fruits, while nutritious in many ways, can be particularly problematic because they combine natural sugars with a sticky texture. Caramel, taffy, and similar sticky candies are especially harmful because they adhere strongly to teeth and are difficult to remove through normal saliva flow.

Sticky foods that threaten gum health:

• Dried fruits like raisins, dates, and apricots
• Caramel and toffee candies
• Peanut butter (especially sweetened versions)
• Sticky rice and certain grain preparations
• Fruit leather and fruit roll-ups
• Honey and syrup when consumed alone

When these foods become lodged around your gums, they create ideal conditions for bacterial growth and inflammation. The key to maintaining nutrition for healthy gums involves choosing alternatives that provide similar nutritional benefits without the sticky texture that promotes bacterial accumulation.

Meal Planning Strategies for Gum-Healthy Eating

Creating Balanced Meals with Gum-Supporting Nutrients

Building meals that support healthy gums diet starts with understanding how different nutrients work together throughout your day. The key is creating plates that combine multiple gum-strengthening elements rather than focusing on single superfoods.

Start your morning with a foundation of vitamin C-rich foods paired with omega-3 fatty acids. A spinach omelet with smoked salmon delivers both anti-inflammatory compounds and collagen-building nutrients your gums need. Add sliced strawberries or kiwi on the side for an extra vitamin C boost that helps your body absorb iron from the leafy greens.

For lunch, think about combining lean proteins with colorful vegetables that provide antioxidants. Grilled chicken over a mixed green salad with bell peppers, tomatoes, and avocado creates a powerhouse meal for gum health nutrition. The healthy fats from avocado help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K – all essential for maintaining strong gum tissue.

Dinner becomes your opportunity to include calcium-rich foods alongside anti-inflammatory ingredients. Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and quinoa provides calcium, omega-3s, and complete proteins. The quinoa adds zinc and magnesium, minerals that support wound healing and reduce inflammation in your gums.

Don’t forget about meal prep strategies that make gum-healthy eating easier. Prepare mason jar salads with layers of anti-inflammatory foods for gums like leafy greens, colorful vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Store dressings made with olive oil and lemon juice separately to maintain freshness while providing vitamin E and citrus benefits.

Smart Snacking Choices Between Meals

The space between meals presents both opportunities and challenges for gum disease prevention diet. Smart snacking can actually help maintain steady nutrient levels and prevent the pH drops in your mouth that encourage harmful bacteria growth.

Choose snacks that require chewing to stimulate saliva production naturally. Raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell pepper strips act as natural toothbrushes while delivering vitamins and minerals. Pair them with almond butter or hummus for protein and healthy fats that keep you satisfied longer.

Dairy products make excellent mid-afternoon choices because they neutralize acid in your mouth while providing calcium and phosphorus. Greek yogurt with fresh berries combines probiotics that support oral health with antioxidants that fight inflammation. Cheese provides casein proteins that help remineralize tooth enamel and protect gum tissue.

Nuts and seeds deserve a permanent spot in your snack rotation. Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds provide magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats that support periodontal disease diet goals. They also require thorough chewing, which increases saliva flow and helps cleanse your mouth naturally.

Green tea makes an ideal beverage choice between meals. Its catechins have powerful antibacterial properties that specifically target the bacteria responsible for gum disease. Drink it plain or with a splash of lemon for added vitamin C benefits.

Timing Your Meals to Minimize Bacterial Growth

When you eat matters almost as much as what you eat for foods that strengthen gums. Bacterial activity in your mouth follows predictable patterns that you can work with through strategic meal timing.

Eating larger, more complete meals rather than constantly grazing gives your mouth time to recover between feeding sessions. Each time you eat, bacteria in your mouth produce acids as they break down food particles. Spacing meals 3-4 hours apart allows your saliva’s natural buffering system to neutralize these acids and restore your mouth’s pH balance.

The timing of sugary or acidic foods becomes especially important for oral health nutrition. If you’re going to have fruit or other naturally sweet foods, consume them as part of larger meals rather than as isolated snacks. This minimizes the total time your teeth and gums are exposed to acid attacks.

Your evening meal timing affects overnight bacterial growth. Finish eating at least two hours before bedtime to allow your saliva to clear food particles and neutralize acids. During sleep, saliva production decreases significantly, creating an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive if food residue remains.

Consider implementing a “mouth-cleansing” snack before bed. A small piece of aged cheese or a few nuts can help neutralize acids and provide protective proteins that coat your teeth and gums overnight. This simple habit supports your mouth’s natural healing processes while you sleep.

Morning timing matters too. Having breakfast within an hour of waking helps kickstart saliva production after the night’s reduced flow. Choose natural gum care foods like yogurt with berries or whole grain toast with almond butter to provide steady energy while supporting your gum health throughout the day.

Your gums need more than just a good brushing routine to stay healthy – they need the right fuel from your plate. Getting enough vitamin C, omega-3s, and antioxidants through foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, and colorful fruits can make a real difference in fighting off gum disease. Crunchy foods like apples and carrots work double duty by naturally scrubbing your teeth while you eat, and staying hydrated keeps your saliva flowing to wash away harmful bacteria.

The foods you skip matter just as much as the ones you choose. Cutting back on sugary snacks and processed foods gives your gums a fighting chance against inflammation and infection. Start small by adding one gum-friendly food to each meal and swapping out one harmful snack for something that actually helps your mouth. Your gums will thank you, and you might just find that taking care of your oral health from the inside out is easier and more delicious than you expected.