Having gingivitis with braces can affect treatment. With a few tips and extra concentration on oral hygiene, find out how to combat this problem. Learning preventative measures will help during your braces treatment and serve you well for the remainder of your life. If you’re on your orthodontic in Allen, Texas, read on to discover how to keep your gums healthy while wearing braces.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an infection of the gums at the base of the teeth. The disease can develop throughout the gum area or take a localized form affecting only a few areas. Gingivitis affects 70 to 90 percent of the population, with the majority of them experiencing recurrent episodes throughout their lives. Gingivitis can be acute or chronic.
There is little to no pain with chronic gingivitis, and the illness frequently progresses without causing considerable discomfort. However, the gums change color from pale pink to red, bad breath appears, and minor swelling of soft tissues appears. The condition can also cause bleeding gums when brushing your teeth with a toothbrush.
Acute gingivitis has the same symptoms as chronic gingivitis, but there is more discomfort, especially when chewing, as well as a painful sensitivity to air. Acute gingivitis can cause lymph nodes to react as the body fights the infection. People may also develop a fever and a general feeling of malaise.
If you see any of these symptoms, contact your dental care provider. Only a doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate therapy to prevent the condition from progressing to a more dangerous stage.
Symptoms of gingivitis
The stage of gingivitis determines the symptoms. Swelling, redness, and looseness of the gums; increased sensitivity of tissues; bleeding while cleaning teeth and eating due to the fragility of blood vessels; soreness when chewing and touching; and foul smell are all symptoms of the disease.
As the condition continues, the tooth necks may become exposed, resulting in increased tooth sensitivity. It may become difficult to consume hot and cold drinks and foods. Furthermore, the pain worsens over time, and serious trouble chewing food may develop. There are broad signs as well as individual symptoms that are specific to a particular form of gingivitis.
The effects of gum inflammation can be severe, with the inflammatory process frequently progressing to the tooth’s ligamentous structure, resulting in periodontitis. Because of the mobility of the teeth and the high likelihood of tooth loss, this condition can be dangerous.
What does gingivitis with braces look like?
Wearing braces in Allen can make your gums vulnerable. Food particles can become caught in your braces and, if not cleaned out, can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup. This is why brushing your teeth and gums is critical.
Removing trapped food particles from the mouth can prevent the formation of bacterial plaque. Appropriate daily oral care is the best method to keep your gums healthy, teeth strong, and breath fresh.
Can you get braces if you have gum disease?
There is not a definite answer to this question, and it all depends on the severity of the case. The health of the gums and the alignment of the teeth are intricately related. Crowding and other issues may make it tough to clean your teeth thoroughly. This leads to the spread of germs and the formation of plaque.
Orthodontic therapy and teeth straightening methods, such as Invisalign®, can improve your dental health over time. Most orthodontists will verify that any existing gingivitis is being treated before proceeding with orthodontic treatment.
Getting braces while you have an active gum infection, on the other hand, can put your teeth in jeopardy. Braces function by applying consistent pressure to your teeth over time. If your gums become infected or irritated at any point during this operation, your results may be less than optimal.
How can you treat gingivitis with braces?
Brushing and flossing may be more difficult with braces, so you must pay close attention to your cleaning routine to avoid gingivitis when you begin treatment. Your orthodontist will always advise you on the best brushing methods if you have braces. There are also different brushes, such as interproximal brushes, that you should use to maximize the cleaning process.
Braces add nooks and crannies, so although the bracket system aids in correcting the bite and the alignment of the teeth, it can also accelerate decay. Food particles and plaque accumulate on archwires, brackets, and other features.
To avoid the occurrence of dental disorders, you should be aware of the following recommendations for caring for braces and general oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly in the morning and evening.
- Floss and rinse after each meal.
- Clean the interdental space with dental floss.
- Adhere to dietary limitations, including the eating of a minimum amount of sweets.
If you feel discomfort while wearing braces, contact your doctor immediately. Be sure to continue regular dental checkups for thorough teeth cleaning every three to six months.
Focus on removing more plaque when brushing. Plaque is the leading cause of bleeding gums. Professional removal with regular teeth cleaning in the dentist’s office will help. Using toothpaste with a sodium bicarbonate content of at least 67 percent, rather than conventional toothpaste with no sodium bicarbonate will also help.
Will my gums go back to normal after braces?
With proper medication and improved oral hygiene, your gums will go back to normal in under a few weeks. Doctors can treat patients who have gingivitis with braces. The most important part of treating gingivitis with braces is proper oral hygiene.
Dr. Jay Ghosh and Dr. Trent Lofgren have been orthodontists for several years and have helped numerous patients achieve their dream smile. Schedule a free consultation today!