Gum Disease and Braces: What You Need to Know

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s caused by bacteria in plaque, the sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can irritate your gums.

There are two main stages of gum disease:

1. Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease. If you have gingivitis, your gums might be red, swollen, and may bleed when you brush or floss. The good news? Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene and regular cleanings from your dental hygienist.
2. Periodontitis: If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the infection spreads deeper into the gums, causing the bone that supports your teeth to deteriorate. Periodontitis is much more serious, leading to tooth loss if left untreated.

What Happens When You Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease isn’t just about your gums—it can affect your overall oral health and even lead to more significant problems. In the early stages (gingivitis), you may notice symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, and tenderness. If it progresses to periodontitis, your gums can start to recede, exposing more of your tooth’s surface. This makes your teeth more sensitive and can eventually lead to bone loss, tooth movement, and even teeth falling out.

In some cases, gum disease can impact your general health too. Studies have shown links between gum disease and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even stroke. So, it’s not something to ignore!

How Gum Disease Affects Braces

Gum disease and braces don’t mix well. Braces can make cleaning your teeth more challenging, giving plaque and bacteria more opportunities to build up. If you already have gum disease or develop it while wearing braces, it can slow down your orthodontic treatment or even cause more serious problems.

For example, when you have gum disease, your gums are already inflamed and possibly infected. Adding braces into the mix can worsen the condition if you’re not taking extra care with your oral hygiene. The pressure that braces put on your teeth can also cause further irritation to already unhealthy gums, which can lead to more discomfort, swelling, and even gum recession.

If gum disease progresses during orthodontic treatment, it might even force your orthodontist to pause or stop the treatment until your gum health improves.

Preventing Gum Disease While Wearing Braces

The key to preventing gum disease while wearing braces is all about maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Here’s how you can keep your gums healthy:

1. Brush Twice Daily: This is non-negotiable! Make sure you’re brushing for at least two minutes each time, paying extra attention to the areas around your brackets and wires. Consider using an electric toothbrush for better plaque removal.
2. Floss Regularly: Yes, it’s more challenging with braces, but flossing is crucial. Use floss threaders or interdental brushes to get between your teeth and around your braces.
3. Use Mouthwash: Antibacterial mouthwash can help kill germs that brushing and flossing may miss. It’s a great addition to your oral hygiene routine.
4. Visit Your Dentist and Hygienist: Regular cleanings are even more important when you have braces. Your hygienist can clean areas that are harder to reach with braces, helping to prevent plaque buildup.
5. Watch Your Diet: Sugary foods and drinks contribute to plaque formation. Try to limit them and focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Can Braces Help Prevent Gum Disease?

It might sound surprising, but braces can sometimes help prevent gum disease in the long run. How? When your teeth are crooked or crowded, it’s harder to clean them properly, leading to more plaque buildup and an increased risk of gum disease. By straightening your teeth, braces make it easier to keep your mouth clean. Once your treatment is complete and your teeth are properly aligned, you’ll likely find that maintaining good oral hygiene is much simpler, reducing your risk of gum disease in the future.

The Bottom Line

Gum disease and braces require special care, but with the right steps, you can manage both. Keeping your gums healthy while undergoing orthodontic treatment is crucial for your overall dental health and ensuring that your treatment is successful. By staying on top of your oral hygiene, visiting your dental professional regularly, and following your orthodontist’s instructions, you can keep gum disease at bay and enjoy a healthier, straighter smile in the process.