Gum Disease and Braces
When you’re considering braces, you may be wondering, “Can I get braces with gum disease?” or “How will braces impact my gum health?” If you already have gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, it’s important to understand the relationship between these conditions and orthodontic treatment. Not addressing gum disease before getting braces can make oral hygiene difficult and potentially worsen your condition. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about gingivitis with braces, periodontal disease and braces, and how to maintain healthy gums while wearing braces.
What is Gum Disease and How Does It Affect Your Teeth?
Gum disease is an infection that affects the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. It typically starts with gingivitis, which, if left untreated, can progress to periodontal disease. The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup along the gum line.
Gingivitis (The Early Stage)
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. Symptoms include red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing. This early stage is often reversible with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene.
Periodontal Disease (The Advanced Stage)
If gingivitis progresses, it can turn into periodontal disease, a much more severe form of gum disease. This condition causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can trap bacteria and cause bone loss. This can eventually lead to tooth mobility and, in extreme cases, tooth loss.
Can You Get Braces with Gum Disease or Periodontal Disease?
Can I get braces with periodontal disease? The short answer is: it depends. If you have active gum disease, it’s critical to get it under control before proceeding with braces. Braces can exacerbate existing gum issues by making oral hygiene more difficult. Plaque and tartar can accumulate around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of further gum damage.
Can you get braces with gum disease? The answer is similar—while it’s possible to start orthodontic treatment with gum disease, it is generally not recommended. Before getting braces, it’s essential to have your gum disease treated by a dentist or periodontist. This may involve professional cleaning, scaling, and root planing to remove plaque and tartar, followed by regular maintenance to ensure your gums remain healthy.
If gum disease is severe, orthodontic treatment might need to be postponed until the condition is under control.
Read More: Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
How Braces Can Impact Gum Disease
Braces gingivitis is a common problem for people who wear braces. The brackets and wires of your braces can trap food particles and plaque, which may increase your risk of gingivitis. This is because braces make it more challenging to clean your teeth thoroughly. As plaque accumulates, it leads to bacterial growth, which can irritate the gums, causing them to swell, bleed, and become more sensitive.
Gum disease with braces is another concern. If proper oral hygiene is not maintained while wearing braces, plaque can harden into tartar, which only a professional cleaning can remove. Over time, this can cause gingivitis to progress into periodontal disease. The gum tissue may recede, pockets can form, and bone loss may occur, which could threaten the success of your orthodontic treatment.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing\
- Persistent bad breath
- Tooth sensitivity
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to speak to your orthodontist or dentist right away.
Read More: Delays in Orthodontic Treatment
Preventing and Managing Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
To maintain healthy gums while wearing braces, it’s crucial to follow proper oral hygiene techniques:
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
- Brushing: Brush your teeth at least 2-3 times daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to the areas around the brackets and wires.
- Flossing: Use orthodontic floss threaders or special floss designed for braces to clean between your teeth and around the brackets.
- Interdental Brushes: These small brushes can help clean around braces and in between teeth more effectively than traditional flossing.
Rinse with Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Using an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy.
Regular Dental and Orthodontic Check-ups
Regular visits to your orthodontist or dentist are essential to ensure that your braces aren’t causing any gum problems. Professional cleanings every 3-6 months will help keep plaque and tartar at bay.
Read More: Dental Emergencies
Treatment and Alternatives for Severe Gum Disease with Braces
If gum disease has progressed to periodontal disease, additional treatment may be required. In these cases, deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, may be necessary to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gum line. For more severe cases, gum surgery or bone grafting may be required to restore gum tissue and bone support.
Before starting orthodontic treatment, it’s essential to treat periodontal disease thoroughly. If gum disease with braces is not addressed beforehand, it could undermine the success of the treatment, leading to complications such as loose teeth or receding gums.
Can Periodontal Disease Be Treated Before Braces?
Yes, if you have periodontal disease, it is possible and advisable to treat it before starting braces. After receiving professional cleaning and periodontal therapy, your gums will be in a healthier state, reducing the risk of complications during orthodontic treatment.
Read More: Crooked Canine Teeth
The Importance of Combining Orthodontic Treatment with Periodontal Care
Orthodontic treatment and periodontal health go hand in hand. Working with both your orthodontist and periodontist ensures that your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout the treatment process. It’s essential to receive an evaluation for gum disease before starting braces to ensure that there are no underlying issues that could complicate your orthodontic journey.
Pre-Braces Evaluation
Your orthodontist will assess your oral health, including your gums, before beginning treatment. If signs of gum disease are present, they may refer you to a periodontist for further evaluation and treatment.
Read More: 4 Teeth Straightening Options
Conclusion: The Key to Healthy Teeth and Gums with Braces
Taking care of your gums is just as important as caring for your teeth when wearing braces. Whether you're dealing with gingivitis with braces, gum disease braces, or periodontal disease and braces, proper oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and professional treatments are essential for ensuring both a healthy smile and healthy gums.
If you have concerns about braces and gingivitis, gum disease with braces, or periodontal disease, consult with your orthodontist and dentist. Together, they can help you navigate the best path to a healthier, straighter smile.
If You need Orthodontic service, feel free to contact us at York Orthodontics.
FAQs
Yes, you can get braces if you have gingivitis, but it’s best to address the gingivitis first. Gingivitis is reversible with proper treatment, and it’s important to ensure your gums are in good health before starting orthodontic treatment.
If you get braces with gum disease, the condition can worsen. The brackets and wires make it harder to clean your teeth, leading to more plaque buildup, which can aggravate gum disease. It’s advisable to treat gum disease before beginning braces.
To prevent gum disease while wearing braces, brush and floss regularly, use a fluoride mouthwash, and visit your orthodontist and dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Additionally, consider using an interdental brush to clean areas around your braces more effectively.
It is not recommended to wear braces with active periodontal disease. The condition should be treated first. Orthodontic treatment may need to be postponed until the disease is under control to avoid further damage to your gums and teeth.