Did you know gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is one of the most common oral health conditions? It’s estimated that about 47.2% of adults ages 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease.
Gum disease is an infection that starts in the gums, and as it progresses, can permanently damage the jaw bone. This infection is serious and it develops in stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
Gum disease can be treated in its earliest stage with minimal damage done to the teeth and gums.
But what happens if you develop gum disease with braces? Can you get braces if you already have gum disease? Here’s what you need to know!
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Before we dive into gum disease with braces, let’s identify the early signs of gum disease. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms during your orthodontic treatment, tell us and tell your dentist as soon as possible!
We’ll monitor your health at each visit to our office, and it’s important that you still visit your dentist every 6 months so he or she can monitor your health as well.
Signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums
- Red, inflamed gums
- Wiggly teeth
- Sore, tender gums
- Bad breath
- Bright red or purplish gums
- Spitting out blood after brushing your teeth
Can you get periodontitis with braces?
The same way you can get gum disease without braces is the same way you can get gum disease with braces. It’s generally due to an insufficient oral hygiene routine. It’s important that you commit to keeping your teeth and gums clean throughout your braces treatment.
Your braces have more spaces for food particles to get trapped and bacteria to grow, which means your oral hygiene has to be up to par. Brush and floss your teeth morning and night, and consider carrying a braces care kit with a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and floss to clean your teeth after meals.
Develop healthier habits to minimize gum disease risk factors. Eat a balanced, nutritious diet to help your teeth and gums ward off bacteria. There are a number of ways to prevent gum disease, and prevention is always better than treating the disease after it’s developed!
Can you get braces with periodontal disease?
At your regular dental cleanings, your dentist will monitor the health of your teeth and gums health to help you prevent gum disease. This is why it’s important that you visit your dentist every 6 months.
If your dentist detects the early signs of gum disease, he or she will create a treatment plan or refer you to a periodontist to have the infection treated.
Getting braces when you have an active gum infection is dangerous and could put your teeth at risk of further damage. When gum disease progresses to the later stages, it puts you at risk of teeth becoming loose or falling out, and damage to the jaw bone. We want to avoid that at all costs.
It’s important that you treat periodontal disease before beginning orthodontic treatment. Braces and Invisalign® require strong, healthy gums to move your teeth safely and efficiently.
Before you start treatment, it’s important that you visit your dentist and receive a professional cleaning to prepare your teeth for their transformation! We want you to experience the greatest results possible, and having gum disease can compromise not only your results but your health too.
Still have questions about periodontitis and braces?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We love to hear from you and we would love to discuss teeth whitening treatment with you.
We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit to your last appointment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Viera, Merritt Island, or Melbourne, come experience the vibes! We’d love to meet you. Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
