How Does Oral Hygiene Fight Gum Disease?

Do you take time to brush and floss properly? This may seem minor, but these actions are crucial for fighting gum disease and helping you avoid complications like adult tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about how improving your oral hygiene habits can protect your smile from periodontal disease.

Poor Oral Health and Periodontal Disease

When we don’t take time to brush and floss, this can leave particles of sugar and starch caught on or between your teeth. When this happens, harmful oral bacteria will consume these particles, breaking them down and coating the teeth in a layer of plaque. Over time, this sticky layer will harden into tartar. Plaque and tartar can irritate and inflame the gum tissues, which makes your smile more vulnerable to gingivitis and periodontal disease. The same layers are also connected to tooth decay, dental infection, and even bad breath and teeth stains. But you can take steps to help protect the gums and reduce the severity of buildup in between cleaning visits!

Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily can help safeguard your smile. You should brush your teeth in the morning and at night for at least two minutes. We suggest using a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid irritating the gums. Fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen the outer enamel to fight cavities. This is helpful for people of all ages! You also need to floss, as this can remove what a toothbrush alone cannot reach. When you floss, be sure you clean up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line in a “c” motion to dislodge trapped particles. This should happen every evening before you brush the second time.

Better Nutrition

What we eat matters too! A diet high in sugar and starch can feed harmful oral bacteria and increase the risk of periodontal disease and other complications. Instead, add more fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet, as well as lean meats and items high in vitamins C and D. Foods with Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful too. If you have any questions about how our team will protect your smile from the onset of periodontal disease with better oral hygiene, or if you already have periodontal disease and need treatment, then contact our team today to learn more. Make 2025 the year you enjoy better gum health and a shining smile!

Schedule Your Next Appointment to Keep Your Smile Strong

Our team wants to provide treatment to help you smile with confidence and enjoy a full smile. To learn more about the treatments we offer to manage your periodontal disease, call Dr. Ann Kania in Encinitas, CA, today at 760-642-0711.