The best thing about wearing braces is the end result of a beautiful healthy smile and the only thing that can make it even better is making sure you dont have gum disease when you finish treatment. It’s important that you practice proper oral hygiene so you maintain good oral health during the duration of your treatment. You definitely need to make sure that you take care of your teeth and gums during the duration of your orthodontic treatment so continue reading to learn more about caring for your teeth and gums.
Cleaning your teeth is easy when you don’t have braces but when you begin orthodontic treatment it’s important that you continue to clean your teeth the way you did without braces and pay close attention to cleanliness. Due to the brackets and wires on your teeth, food can get stuck in between the brackets and wires and if not cleaned properly can result in bacteria which can then lead to plaque. When plaque builds up in the mouth it can often lead to tooth decay and gum disease so make sure that you clean and check your teeth after each meal.
How Can One Get Gingivitis?
In order to avoid getting gingivitis, you should know the ways in which you can get it so that you know what to look for and how you can prevent it. Things like smoking, diabetes, and family history can put you at a higher risk for getting gingivitis but issues with your jaw, teeth grinding and a misaligned bite can also cause gingivitis.
What is Gingivitis?
Once bacteria have formed in your mouth and are causing your gums to inflame then you can be sure that you’ve got gum disease. Gum disease is the start of gingivitis and if you don’t get treated for it then it can lead to more serious issues. If you feel like you’re suffering from gum disease it’s important that you make an appointment to come and see Drs. Jacy and Arianna Papasikos as soon as possible. When gingivitis forms and doesn’t get treated it can cause infections that damage the gums even more and then you’ll have to get recommended to a periodontist.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease while wearing braces is to make sure you’re brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth after your meals. If you need help on how to brush and floss while wearing braces then ask Drs. Jacy and Arianna Papasikos to show you how. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, a water pick or a mouth rinse is all very helpful to keep your teeth clean if used properly and daily. You can even schedule dental cleanings with your local dentist so that you can be sure that you’re staying on track of keeping those teeth clean. If you have questions or concerns about keeping your teeth clean while wearing braces then please call our office today at 973.744.2511!