One of our most common dental disorders, affecting both kids and adults, is gum disease. Before starting orthodontic care, make sure your gums are their healthiest if you are considering getting braces or aligners.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis (mild gum disease) may be the effect of bad brushing and flossing habits for both younger and older patients. Sensitive gum tissue becomes irritated as plaque builds up around the teeth and gums. The gums become inflamed and it can result in symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness, bleeding, and bad breath. Your dentist can usually treat the early stages of gingivitis with tips on more successful brushing and flossing, dental cleaning, and suggestions for mouth rinses.
Since it can be more difficult to brush and floss with braces, you need to pay careful attention to your cleaning routine to avoid the development of gingivitis after you start treatment. Speak to us on how to most efficiently brush and floss while wearing braces at any time. In order to get your teeth and gums as clean and plaque-free as possible, our doctors and team at Georgia School of Orthodontics can also recommend tools designed specifically for our patients with braces. If you are a candidate for Invisalign, this treatment can make it simpler to keep your teeth their healthiest. When your orthodontic work takes place, we will work with you in order to keep your gums healthy.
Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis can eventually lead to periodontitis (severe gum disease. This chronic infection can lead to pockets that become a host for bacteria and infection between your gums and teeth. Periodontitis may result in the destruction of gums, ligaments, and bone tissue over time. It can result in loose teeth and even bone and tooth loss when left untreated.
Scheduling a routine dental examination is essential aid your dentist or periodontist to identify and treat symptoms of periodontitis as early as possible. If you have some of the symptoms of gum disease, to protect your gums, bones, and teeth, it is necessary to treat the cause of these symptoms as soon as possible. The effects of periodontitis may be reversed with deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing, topical and oral antibiotics, and oral operations such as flap surgery or grafting of bone and tissue.
Because orthodontics require moving the teeth and re-forming the ligament and bone tissue that keep them in place, to start care, you need healthy periodontal ligaments and bones. Speak to us if you have encountered shifting teeth or bone loss as a result of periodontitis. We will speak with you and let you know If you are a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, and what type of device is best for your periodontal health, during your visit to our Atlanta or Gwinnett, GA office.
If gum disease has been a concern in the past, we are happy to speak to you about the best way to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Most importantly, well before you undergo orthodontic care, we want to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. The prevention and treatment of gum disease will provide the foundation you need for your perfect smile.
