5 New Year's Resolutions for Healthier Gums

Every January, millions of people across the United States set New Year’s resolutions. While some focus on losing weight or eating healthier, others focus on their oral health. 

This can be especially beneficial if you’re living with gingivitis, periodontitis, or another form of periodontal disease.

At Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi, Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith specialize in treating gum disease. Read on to discover five easy steps you can take to keep your gums healthy now and throughout 2026.

Resolution #1: Brush more thoughtfully

Brushing your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each time reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease. Doing so helps prevent plaque, bacteria, and saliva from collecting on your teeth and beneath your gums. 

Although it can be tempting to rush, slow down and take your time. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently guide it along your upper and lower teeth using short, circular motions. 

This can feel awkward at first, but it’s better than scrubbing back and forth, which can damage your gums and increase the risk of recession. 

An electric toothbrush can prevent some of this wear-and-tear. If you use a regular toothbrush, simply hold the handle with your thumb, index, and middle fingers. This gentler grip can reduce pressure and help keep your gums protected from damage.

Resolution #2: Floss your teeth daily

Daily flossing is the only way to effectively remove plaque and food particles from beneath your gums and between your teeth. It only takes a minute or two, and it helps reduce inflammation. 

If you have arthritis or another condition that makes it challenging to floss, use an easier-to-handle tool. 

For example, floss picks and water flossers don’t require as many fine motor movements while allowing you to access the hard-to-reach spaces that collect plaque and bacteria. 

Resolution #3: Eat a balanced diet

Sugary and starchy foods, such as candy and potato chips, feed harmful oral bacteria and irritate the gums. You don’t have to avoid your favorite snacks entirely, but you try to eat a gum-friendly diet whenever possible. 

The best way to do this is with balanced nutrition. Ensure your meals and snacks contain fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

In addition, drink plenty of water throughout the day. This keeps you hydrated and also helps wash away bacteria and food particles that can harden and turn into plaque. 

Resolution #4: Schedule routine dental checkups and cleanings

Gum disease often develops slowly, over a period of months or years. Because of that, it doesn’t always present obvious symptoms. 

Schedule routine checkups with our team at least twice a year. These bi-annual exams let us identify the early signs of gum disease, such as inflammation, irritation, and bleeding. 

They also include dental X-rays, which can confirm serious complications of gum disease, like bone loss.

Similarly, dental cleanings let us remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gums, reducing the risk of cavities and the need for dental extractions.

Resolution #5: Quit smoking and vaping

People who smoke or vape are significantly more likely to develop gum disease than people who don’t. That’s because smoking and vaping affect blood flow to your gums, reducing circulation. 

They also affect your mouth’s microbiome, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Quitting these habits can lead to improvements in gum health within just a few weeks. If you need help quitting, we can coordinate care with your primary care provider or another specialist who can help you kick the habit for good.

We can help you manage and treat gum disease

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or worry you’re at risk, we can help you determine the best course of action. Whether you’re concerned about gum recession or need routine periodontal maintenance to keep your smile in great shape, we’re here to help. 

To learn more about your treatment options, contact us today to make an appointment. Call our Gulfport, Mississippi, office at (228) 868-9615 or request an appointment online.