Braces help significantly to straighten the teeth and correct oral health, but one of the concerns is that it also becomes difficult to maintain oral health through healthy gums. This problem of gum disease with braces is common among patients, particularly when under long orthodontic treatment. It is important to know how to deal with gum issues and complications during the period of wearing braces.
Can You Get Gum Disease with Braces?
Indeed, braces may pose a high risk of gum disease when not taken care of. When the teeth are enclosed by brackets and wires, they are more difficult to clean along the gumline and between teeth, which enables the easy accumulation of plaque. With time, it may cause inflammation, bleeding gums, and even periodontal disease.
Can braces cause gum disease?
Braces create no direct pathway to gum disease but may contribute to the gum disease through creating a room where plaque can pile up. These areas breed dangerous bacteria where care is not undertaken to clean up.
Signs of Gum Disease with Braces
In the case you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you should be aware of these red flags that indicate the onset of gum disease:
- Swollen or bulging gums
- Bleeding on brushing or flossing
- Constant offensive breath
- Receding gum line
- Gum soreness or gum tenderness
By catching the symptoms early, an intervention may be made faster and thus prevent the development of worse conditions such as bone loss or shifting teeth.
How to Prevent Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
The best way to defend it is by keeping the mouth clean. These are some pointers to ensure your gums are in good condition:
Brushing after each meal: After each meal, it is important to brush with a brush having soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Concentrate on cleaning at the gum line.
Use interdental brushes/floss threaders: Interdental brushes are very helpful to clean around brackets, and between teeth where regular floss might not fit.
Mouthwash: This should be an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and to freshen breath.
Get a dental cleaning: A dental cleaning can remove tough tartar that you can not get rid of yourself.
What Happens if Gum Disease Develops with Braces?
When gum disease develops when a person is being treated using braces, it can cause complications like gum recession or unstable teeth. In extreme cases, your orthodontist may decide to have a break or even take the braces off till the condition of your gums is healed. Gum disease that is not treated might also interfere with the long-term success of orthodontic outcomes.
Braces and Gum Disease: Are You Still a Candidate?
The most frequent question posted by some patients is, Are braces available if I am already suffering from gum disease? This will depend on the seriousness of the condition. There is also gingivitis or the mild form of gum disease, which can be treated and managed prior to the erection of the braces. Nevertheless, orthodontic treatment can be postponed in case your periodontal disease is already in its advanced stages until the gums and the underlying bone are stabilized.
Can you wear braces with gum disease?
It is possible to undergo orthodontic treatment with minor gum problems, provided that your orthodontist and general dentist do it diligently. More severe cases might need periodontal therapy undertaken.
Treating Gum Disease During Orthodontic Care
In case you are diagnosed with gum disease under treatment, the dental team will usually advise the following:
- Increased cleaning
- Special periodontal cleanings (Scaling and root planing)
- Short-term modifications in your orthodontic device
- Better at-home hygiene protocol
Good collaboration between your orthodontist and general dentist is the key to successful treatment.
Role of a Dental Professional
A good dental team can spell the difference. At Beach Cities Dental Group, the development of a team-based scenario is to patients’ advantage since orthodontists and periodontists operate as a team under a single roof. This will enable smooth treatment and faster intervention in case of gum problems during treatment.
When Gum Disease Affects Long-Term Solutions
In other instances, braces might not be sufficient in the restoration of oral health, particularly when tooth loss has occurred due to gum disease. In this case, dental implants and gum disease are the subject matter. Dental implants depend on the healthy gum and jawbone base. In case these structures have already been destroyed by periodontal disease, it could require bone grafting or gum therapy prior to the implant. A pediatric dentistry clinic is vital in keeping gum health in check at an early age and liaises with the future orthodontic or restorative requirements in the case of the younger patient.
Final Thoughts
Braces and gum disease should not be a devastating issue, because it is a factor that can be avoided and treated with an effective care routine. Good personal hygiene, frequent consultations with professionals, and early treatment are significant in the safety of the gums during orthodontic treatment. When you think you might need braces or are currently going through the procedure, and you find some gum concerns, ask your dental provider right away.
Beach Cities Dental Group provides all-around dental care, giving you the best orthodontic treatment and a beautiful smile with healthy gums.
Book your visit today and save your oral health, as well as your braces.