Orthodontic Treatment and Gum Disease

Austin, TX –Misaligned teeth can cause a variety of oral health issues, from jaw pain to teeth that can chip, crack, and break, even limiting how effective your brushing can be! Misalignment can wreak dental havoc. Can orthodontic treatment help patients have healthier smiles, and prevent issues like gum disease from occurring? Dr. Silvana Gonzalez of Pure Smiles Orthodontics weighs in.

Gum disease is a very common dental issue, affecting nearly 40% of adults aged 30 and over. As we age, gum disease becomes even more prevalent, affecting nearly 60% of adults over the age of 65, caused by a growth of bacteria in the mouth.  If not properly addressed, gum disease can cause many issues, including tooth and bone loss.

So, how can orthodontic treatment help prevent gum disease?

It’s no secret that misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean. If you have a crowded smile or teeth that are otherwise misaligned, it can be difficult to brush and floss properly. You may brush diligently, but a crowded smile can be next to impossible to thoroughly clean because the teeth overlap too much. With a straighter smile, you can brush and floss away plaque, which will prevent gum disease.

Brushing away plaque is important, because plaque buildup becomes tartar, which, if not removed, can not only irritate and inflame the gums, it can lead to gingivitis, and if not taken care of, periodontitis. Tartar is a calcified layer of bacteria and proteins from your saliva that hardens onto your teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional, so it’s important that you are able to brush properly!  

Orthodontic treatment improves the alignment of your teeth, making your smile much easier to care for. If you are prone to plaque and tartar buildup, it may be time to ask about how orthodontic treatment may be able to help you! Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day is an excellent start, but if you have a misaligned smile, you are already at a disadvantage, and we are here to help.

Pure Smiles Orthodontics offers a host of orthodontic treatment solutions, customized for each patient’s dental needs. If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, it is important to have it treated prior to starting orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontic team can work in conjunction with your dental team to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough to start orthodontic treatment. This is important because your gum and bone health are extremely important, whether you have braces or not.

With the proper care and preparation, your smile journey can start today and lead you to a lifetime of better oral health. Call Pure Smiles Orthodontics today to learn how orthodontic treatment can improve your smile and prevent gum disease. Call us at 512-215-2520.