Gum Care Awareness: Why Caring for Your Gums and Teeth Matters
If you need orthodontic treatment in Florida and Maryland, finding the right dental team can make a big difference in the overall health of your teeth and gums during the realignment of your teeth. Orthodontic professionals use braces, retainers, and other dental appliances to move teeth gradually and carefully to the appropriate position. This can improve the appearance of your teeth and can allow you to bite and chew much more effectively.
Proper dental care is essential to keep your teeth healthy during the orthodontic process. Brushing, flossing and checking the condition of your teeth and gums can help you to reduce the risk of damage to your dental health that can sometimes be caused by poor dental hygiene habits. These tasks are especially important for patients undergoing orthodontic work. Because braces can get in the way of brushing and flossing your teeth, it is important to establish a proper dental care regimen that will work for you throughout your treatment.
Call our office today for you gum care appointment! It’s the perfect time to give your gums some attention.
Reducing the Risks of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, usually starts as a condition known as gingivitis. Patients who suffer from gingivitis may experience itchiness or irritation of the gums caused by exposure to plaque or tartar. This usually results in redness of the gums and, in some cases, may lead to bleeding or receding gums.
Patients who wear braces are at somewhat higher risk of gum disease because of difficulties in removing plaque and tartar. Left in place, these substances can cause serious irritation of the gums that can lead to the development of gingivitis. Unfortunately, if left untreated for a long period of time, gingivitis can evolve into periodontal issues that could threaten the health of your teeth and gums. Regular checkups and teeth cleanings are essential to keep your teeth healthy while using braces to correct misalignments of your teeth.
Finding the right methods for protecting your teeth and gums while receiving orthodontic treatment can allow you to manage your dental hygiene and health much more effectively. Your orthodontist in Florida and Maryland will typically give you detailed instructions on the proper methods for brushing, flossing and caring for your teeth while they are in the process of realignment to improve your bite.
Removing Plaque and Tartar While Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment
Plaque is formed when food debris is attacked by bacteria that live inside your mouth. These bacteria cause starchy or sugary foods to transform into a whitish and sticky substance that adheres to teeth and gums. Regular brushing can remove most of the plaque from your teeth. Since plaque is responsible for causing cavities as well as promoting the development of gum disease, removing as much plaque as possible can help you to keep your teeth healthier while wearing braces to correct misaligned teeth.
Tartar or calculus forms when plaque is allowed to remain on or between teeth for an extended period. Teeth cleaning appointments are required to remove this material from your teeth in nearly all cases. If tartar is not removed promptly, it can contribute to the irritation and inflammation of your gums, which is one of the initial triggers for the development of gum disease for many dental patients.
Taking steps to remove as much tartar and plaque from your teeth as possible can help you navigate the orthodontic treatment process more easily. While your orthodontist or dentist in Florida and Maryland is usually the best source for information on how to care for your teeth while wearing braces, following a few simple guidelines can often help you to keep your teeth and gums healthier throughout your treatment regimen.
Call today for more information on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to schedule your appointment with a dentist.
How to Care for Your Teeth While Wearing Braces
Braces are attached to your teeth and use wires to guide misaligned teeth into place. Regular checkups by your orthodontist are essential when wearing braces to make sure that your realignment is progressing as expected and to check on the condition of your teeth. Your orthodontist in Florida and Maryland will typically provide you with detailed instructions on how to clean your teeth at home. Some of the most recommended techniques for caring for teeth with braces are listed here:
- Brushing after each meal or snack
- Using a specialized soft toothbrush that will not damage the delicate hardware or wires of your braces
- Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing at least once daily with waxed dental floss
- Scheduling cleanings for your teeth as recommended by your dentist
- Using a fluoride mouthwash to rinse your mouth and to reduce the risk of cavities or gum disease while wearing braces
Your dentist will typically provide you with added guidance on the types of foods to avoid when undergoing orthodontic treatment and the right methods for keeping your teeth as clean as possible. This can prevent gum disease from causing serious issues for you now and can reduce the risk of periodontal disease in the future.
Dangers of Gum Disease
Properly caring for your teeth while wearing braces can have a number of positive effects on your appearance and your dental health after your treatment has concluded. Regular brushing and teeth cleaning can reduce the chance of discolored patches on your teeth caused by failing to brush properly or to floss your teeth. The most important benefit of caring for your teeth and gums properly, however, is the reduced risk of gum disease. Periodontal disease can cause the loss of teeth and bleeding of the gums, which can reduce your confidence in your appearance and the functionality of your teeth when biting and chewing. Taking steps to prevent gum disease is an important step in managing your dental care when receiving orthodontic treatments to straighten your teeth.
To learn more about working with an orthodontist in Florida and Maryland, contact Main Street Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics today at . Our team of dental and orthodontic experts are here to help you navigate the orthodontic process much more easily while minimizing any damage or injury to your teeth and gums.
