Our team understands how to protect gums, whether that means preventing gingivitis from becoming periodontal disease, or by managing the disease to prevent tooth loss and other complications. But you can also take action to protect your smile. In today’s blog, your Encinitas, CA, periodontist talks about good oral hygiene and periodontal disease prevention.

Brushing Your Teeth

When you brush your teeth for two minutes each day, you remove food particles that could feed harmful bacteria, which then leads to plaque buildup and inflamed gum tissues. You should be sure your toothbrush has soft bristles, so you avoid gum irritation. A toothpaste with fluoride is helpful too, as this design helps fight harmful oral bacteria. Be sure you clean along the gum line to remove microbes and bacteria, and tip the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to clean the gum line efficiently. You can also use an electric toothbrush that is easier for you!

Flossing

Taking time to floss is essential, as this removes the particles and microbes caught between your teeth and beneath the gum line between the teeth too. Every evening, you should clean between your teeth. Take an 18in to 20in length of floss tape and wrap each end around one of your thumbs. Hold it tight with your index fingers, and then run the tape up and down each side of every tooth, and then dip below the gum line in a “c” motion each time too. If a floss pick is easier, then use that instead. You should floss before you brush, so your toothbrush can remove the lodged food particles. People who brush but don’t floss are often surprised to find they have gingivitis and periodontal disease, so be sure you clean between your teeth each evening!

Nutrition

A diet high in sugar and starch leaves behind particles that feed harmful bacteria, creating the plaque and tartar buildup that irritates and inflames the gum tissues, which in turn could lead to disease. We suggest cutting back on these items and instead, enjoying foods high in calcium and vitamin D, which can help keep your jawbone strong and allow you to better absorb key nutrients.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products can make periodontal disease more severe, increasing the risk of periodontitis, the stage connected with adult tooth loss. You should quit using tobacco products to protect your gums, and to also lower your risk of developing multiple forms of cancer!

Talk To Your Encinitas/San Diego, CA Periodontist About Safeguarding Your Smile

Good gum health helps keep your smile whole and healthy. If you would like to find out more about protecting your smile, call Dr. Kania’s office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.