Braces and Gingivitis
If you are wearing traditional braces, or orthodontic treatment with brackets and wires, you are on your way to a straight and beautiful new smile. While you will have some extra rules for keeping your braces in good condition, you should never dismiss the extra care you should also be giving your teeth and gums during treatment. A straight smile should never come at the cost of your oral health. One of the biggest threats to your dental health during braces is gum disease. Whether you are wearing braces or not, periodontal disease is highly preventable, but it needs to be caught and addressed early.
How Gum Disease Develops
When we eat, a thin film of bacteria and food particles form on our teeth and gums. This is called plaque. If allowed to stay there and accumulate over time, plaque can trigger both decay and periodontal disease. Daily brushing and flossing is all that is needed to remove this sticky substance before it causes harm. However, when your teeth are covered with metal brackets and wires, your oral hygiene tasks can become more challenging – but not impossible!
Warning Signs of Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is very common for patients who are wearing braces. If you notice the following warning signs of gingivitis, you should see your dentist for a professional teeth cleaning:
- Red
- Swollen, puffy
- Bleeding during brushing
- Bad breath
The above symptoms are the initial symptoms of gums that are irritated, inflamed and infected. If allowed to progress, gum disease can lead to damage to your underlying bone and eventual tooth loss. Your dental health should always take precedence when it comes to orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontics that Lower Your Risk for Gum Disease
While there are special flossers and toothbrushes to help braces wearers keep their mouth clean during treatment, you can also consider orthodontics without the obstacle of brackets and wires. At Laguna West Dental, we proudly offer removable aligner therapies such as ClearCorrect and Invisalign. Aligners offer effective orthodontic correction, but since they can be removed to brush and floss, you’ll be able to avoid the extra risk of gum disease while straightening your smile.
For more information about orthodontics that support a healthy mouth, call Laguna West Dental.