Summer is almost here! Along with planning for your vacation, don’t forget about your gums. With periodontic care and good oral hygiene habits, you can safeguard your smile against discomfort and tooth loss. In today’s blog, Dr. Ann Kania talks about improving gum health for patients in Encinitas/San Diego, CA!
Watching Your Sugar Intake
During the summer, kids and adults alike may enjoy plenty of sugary snacks, especially for kids and teens, who are home from school with more time on their hands. Also, this is a time of year where desserts like ice cream and sno-cones are especially popular. When you play outdoors, you also tend to reach for sports drinks, which hydrate but also contain sugars and acids that can be harmful for your smile, especially since being active can limit saliva production. Too much sugar and starch can promote harmful and plaque-buildup causing bacteria, which then irritates and inflames the gums, leading to gingivitis and gum disease. Be sure to follow your sugary drinks and foods with a glass of water to rinse away the particles, and when possible, opt for items like fresh fruit and veggies, low-fat yogurts, cheeses, and whole grain breads and crackers. Nuts also make a gum-healthy snack!
Better Hygiene Habits
During the summer, you may be heading out on vacation, and your older kids will be home from school. The changes in your routine can often impact how well you brush and floss. Be sure that throughout the summer, even when you are on the road, that you start and end your day by brushing for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid gum irritation. Use a fluoride toothpaste, and also be sure you floss every evening. Flossing is very important as this removes what is trapped between the teeth and just under the gums, and can help extract the materials to prevent inflammation and disease.
Laser Treatment
If you or a family member begins to notice sore, red, and swelling gums, or if the gums themselves begin to recede, then let us know. We can conduct a diagnosis with advanced digital imaging technology and then make a diagnosis to see what care you may need. From deep cleanings to advanced laser systems, we can offer treatment with precision and comfort to manage the disease and protect your smile from discomfort and even the risk of tooth loss!
If you have any questions about keeping your gums healthy this summer, then talk to our team today to learn more and start your treatment journey!
Schedule Your Appointment for Healthier Smiles
We want to help protect smiles from issues like periodontal disease and tooth loss. To learn more about periodontic care, call Dr. Ann Kania in Encinitas, CA, today at 760-642-0711.