Braces And Gum Disease
Braces and gum disease
For many people, braces are a necessary and indispensable method of straightening their teeth. Straight teeth are in demand not just because they look aesthetically pleasing but also because they make dental hygiene much easier.
While braces often yield long-term benefits, they tend to make oral health more complicated for those who currently have them. This article will discuss the connection between braces and gum disease and provide tips on gum disease prevention and treatment.
Braces and gum disease
Simply put, braces make it more difficult for you to clean your teeth. Food particles can get lodged between your teeth, leading to plaque and bacteria growth. If you don’t thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, the plaque can harden and become tartar. Over time, tartar irritates your gums and leads to a condition called gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
Do braces cause gum disease?
No, braces do not cause gum disease. In fact, having straight teeth actually makes gum disease less likely. While you have braces, however, your risk of developing gum disease increases because it is more difficult to clean your teeth and gums.
As mentioned earlier, the brackets and wires of your braces can trap food and lead to gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and presents itself as red, inflamed, and irritated gums.
Gum disease prevention with braces
If you have braces, there are several things you can do to prevent gum disease. Here are our top recommendations:
• Brush your teeth daily: It is essential that you brush your teeth 2-3 times a day. You must be extra diligent about keeping your teeth clean while you have braces.
• Floss daily: Flossing can be a bit of a challenge when you have braces, but it is no less important. We recommend using a floss threader and flossing once a day and whenever food is stuck between your teeth.
• Avoid sticky foods: Sticky foods such as gummies and dried fruit can be challenging to clean out of your braces. It’s best just to pass on them for now.
• Get your teeth cleaned: Periodontal cleanings can ensure that your teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned. Remember, plaque can form below the gumline, which you can’t clean with brushing and flossing alone. Let us help.
Gum disease treatment with braces
If you have braces and gum disease, the great news is that periodontal treatments can reverse the condition. After an initial consultation, your periodontist will describe each treatment option. The most common treatments are listed below:
• Root planing: Root planing involves cleaning below the gum tissue to remove tartar and prevent bacteria growth. Some dentists call this process “deep cleaning.”
• LANAP laser therapy: LANAP laser therapy is a revolutionary alternative to traditional gum disease surgery. It allows us to thoroughly clean below the gumline without cutting or sewing the gum tissue.
• Traditional gum disease surgery: If your gum disease is severe, we may recommend traditional gum disease surgery. In some cases, this surgery is the most effective option but it does involve a longer recovery time compared to LANAP laser therapy.
Sacramento Periodontics can help you get back on track
Our periodontist, Dr. Shaunda Thomas, has been helping people solve their gum problems for over 30 years. She truly cares about her patients and takes the time to thoroughly explain all of the treatment options. We want you to feel comfortable and informed about your treatment before it begins. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.