Those who’ve had braces know…they can really get in the way of your oral hygiene routine. Not only can the pain from adjustments lead you to brush less thoroughly, but the brackets themselves can make it difficult to completely clean your teeth and gums. One study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that fixed appliances like traditional braces can increase the volume of plaque, resulting in localized gingivitis. Some patients even experience gum recession according to another NIH study.
While braces can make it more difficult to maintain your teeth, orthodontic treatment doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re doomed to develop gum inflammation. At iCare4Smiles, our dentist, Dr. Ayesha, has over a decade of experience crafting individualized treatment plans for her patients. She strives to make a positive difference by improving symptoms, boosting confidence, and stopping health conditions before they have a chance to develop. She can help you maintain healthy teeth during your braces treatment.
Gingivitis Develops Because of Plaque Accumulation
When the gums are inflamed, it’s usually because plaque bacteria have infected the gums, making them puffy, tender, and red. Patients with gingivitis often experience bleeding when they brush or floss and may suffer from bad breath. As plaque bacteria feed on the food that we eat, they secrete enzymes that damage the enamel of our teeth, leading to tooth decay. All of these mechanisms cause the gums to inflame and pull back from the teeth. Gum recession is a particularly concerning symptom because it is permanent. The only way to regenerate gum tissue is through surgery.
Because braces prevent the toothbrush from easily accessing the surface of the tooth, plaque can continue to accumulate around the bracket and the gumline for months or years. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid this excessive plaque accumulation and stave off gingivitis for the duration of your braces treatment.
How to Maintain Your Teeth With Traditional Braces
The tools you use to care for your teeth can make your life a lot easier. Many studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective at reducing plaque than regular toothbrushes. Choose a toothbrush that enables you to get on top of, underneath, and around the brackets, especially along the gumline. You should also use an interproximal brush, essentially a hybrid between floss and toothbrushes that can fit between your teeth (and under your archwire) to dislodge food particles. Use these in combination with a 0.1% (or higher) concentration of Fluoride toothpaste.
Your care and maintenance will go a long way to preventing gingivitis, but it’s also important to visit your dentist regularly. Because you get your braces adjusted frequently, you may forget to schedule regular dental cleanings. It’s important to continue seeing your dentist for preventive treatment, as we can get rid of plaque and tartar build-up and treat any signs of inflammation in the gums.
Visit iCare4Smiles in Piscataway, NJ for Orthodontic Treatment
When you visit our office for traditional braces treatment, we’ll do more than straighten your teeth. We want to help you maintain healthy, happy smiles for a lifetime. When you schedule with us, we can promise that you will receive kind, comprehensive care that aims to prevent health problems before they develop. Call (732) 800-9524 to schedule an appointment.