7 Tips to Keep Your Teeth & Gums Healthy

Poor oral hygiene can lead to much more than just discolored teeth and cavities. It can also cause other issues like periodontal (gum) disease. If left untreated, this common bacterial infection in the gum tissue can result in permanent jawbone damage, tooth loss, painful dental infections, and even an increased risk of systemic health concerns like heart disease. Thankfully, a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your teeth and gums strong and infection-free. Your Huntington Beach periodontist shares seven practical ways to keep your smile happy and healthy.

Tip #1: Pay Attention to Your Daily Dental Routine

Half-hearted dental hygiene won’t keep gum disease at bay. Make sure your daily dental routine includes:

• Two minutes of thorough toothbrushing twice a day.
• Flossing between all your teeth daily and regularly rinsing with mouthwash.

Tip #2: Clean Your Smile with the Right Products

Cleaning your smile with the wrong tools can cause more harm than good. You should only brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. When choosing a toothpaste or mouthwash, always pick one with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Approval to ensure efficiency and safety.

Tip #3: Eat Right for Your Pearly Whites

If you want healthier teeth and gums, try eating more:

• Dairy products, lean meats, and other foods rich in calcium and phosphorus to strengthen the teeth and jawbone.
• Excellent sources of vitamin C like oranges, broccoli, strawberries, and cantaloupe to promote gum health and boost the immune system.

Tip #4: Drink More Tap Water in Your Daily Life

Most sources of tap water are fortified with fluoride, the same mineral used in toothpastes and specialized mouthwashes. Drinking tap water throughout the day allows the fluoride to seep into the enamel and significantly enhance its durability and resistance to decay.

Tip #5: Take the Time to Kick Bad Habits

For the sake of your teeth and gums, it’s essential to kick bad habits like:

• Chewing on pen caps or your fingernails, which weakens your teeth, irritates your gums, and increases your risk of oral infections.
• Quit smoking or chewing tobacco, since these products dramatically lower your body’s ability to fight off infections and leave you more vulnerable to gum disease.

Tip #6: Get Your Dental Checkups Twice a Year

Even if your teeth look and feel fine, you should get your dental checkups twice a year. These regular visits play a key role in catching issues as early as possible as well as preventing them from developing in the first place.

Tip #7: Know What to Be on the Lookout for

The early stages of gum disease can be reversed if caught and treated quickly. Be on the lookout for tell-tale symptoms like:

• Gums that seem puffy, swollen, or bright red.
• Gum tissue that bleeds easily, especially when brushing or flossing.

These simple but effective tips are a great way to protect your smile for years to come. However, if you need a little more help to get your oral health back on track, your Huntington Beach periodontist offers a range of services that can help.

About the Practice

Dr. Justin Braga of Huntington Beach Periodontics & Dental Implants has been safeguarding the wellbeing of his patients’ smiles for over 15 years now. He is a Board Certified periodontist, which means he has taken years of extensive additional training in advanced topics like complex periodontal therapy and dental implant placement. If you’d like to learn more about what you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy, he encourages you to contact him via his website or at (714) 587-9094.