How Hygiene Impacts Your Gum Health

Keeping our gums healthy and strong not only protects the appearance of your smile but also the overall health and function too. As periodontal disease could lead to recession and even tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Encinitas and San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about oral hygiene and periodontal health.

Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth

Did you know that something as simple as brushing and flossing your teeth can protect your gums from disease? When we do so, we remove stray particles of the food and drinks we consume before bacteria can break them down, which limits the severity of plaque and tartar buildup. This buildup could inflame gums to cause gingivitis and even gum disease.

You should brush your teeth in the morning and again at night for at least two minutes, and floss every evening before you brush the second time. These actions help protect both your teeth and gums, so you lower your risk of cavities and gingivitis, and also fight bad breath and teeth stains too.

Avoiding Tobacco Products

When we smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, this could increase the severity of your periodontal concerns, which means the risk of periodontitis, the advanced stage of the disease, is much higher. You have a greater risk of tooth loss! Smoking is also linked to stained teeth, bad breath, and a significant increase in multiple types of cancer. If you need help quitting, then please reach out to our team! We would love to help you keep your smile healthy and strong.

Improving Your Diet

What we eat is important too. A lot of sugar and starch in your diet means a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. But if we add options high in calcium, like lean meats and leafy green veggies, we can offer vitamin C and keep your smile strong. These same menu options also help your body by providing vitamin D, which is also provided by the sun. Vitamin D helps your body better absorb calcium, keeping teeth and gums healthy.

If you have any questions about improving gum health, or about recognizing the warning signs of periodontal disease, then please reach out to our team today to learn more. We want to help you protect your periodontal health, so you can maintain a full and healthy smile for years to come.

Speak With Your Encinitas/San Diego, CA Periodontist About Safeguarding Your Smile

We want to make sure you’re taking action to protect your overall oral health. If you would like to find out more about caring for your gums or about our treatments for periodontal disease, then please call Dr. Kania’s laser periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.