Whether you are contemplating getting a set of braces bonded or already sporting one, it is vital to explore not just about the journey to achieving a beautiful smile but also about the gum care that comes with it.
Braces are not just a rite of passage; they are tools to a more radiant, healthier smile. However, there is a twist: while they help to straighten your pearly whites, they also demand extra attention for ensuring gum health. So, let us dive deeper into the world of orthodontic braces and gum care!
Types of braces and how they are the key to a healthier smile
Braces have come a long way from the traditional metal ones. Nowadays, you can choose from traditional braces, ceramic ones that blend with your teeth, and even invisible braces that straighten your teeth discreetly.
No matter what your orthodontist recommends, each of them work well to correct misalignments, ensuring your smile and bite are in perfect harmony. However, it is not just about achieving aesthetics; well-aligned teeth are crucial for your general dental health, reducing your risk of developing gum disease and dental caries.
The impact that braces have on your gums
While braces can work their magic on your teeth, they are also potential hiding places for a host of bacteria and can harbour tenacious plaque if you are not careful. The wires and brackets together present nooks and crannies that are more difficult to clean, leading to the build-up of cavity-causing plaque.
As a result of an accumulation of plaque, your gums become irritated and inflamed, causing them to become swollen, red, and sometimes even bleed. This is why it is so critical that you pay particularly more attention to your gums when you are wearing braces.
The importance of addressing gum health
Ignoring your gums during your orthodontic journey can lead to gingivitis or, in more severe cases, periodontitis. Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile, keeping your teeth together and in tip-top shape. Hence, addressing gum health in the early stages of your braces process can help to either prevent the development of severe gum conditions down the road, or allow you to get them treated early, ensuring that your smile is healthy and straight.
Maintaining good oral hygiene with braces
Observing and maintaining good oral hygiene with braces is essential. Here’s how you can keep your gums healthy and happy:
1. Choosing the right tools
Invest in a high-quality electric toothbrush or a well-made manual toothbrush with soft bristles that is designed for cleaning the braces. Choosing the right toothbrush is vital, especially when wearing fixed braces, as a good brush can move around your braces easily without damaging your braces while ensuring you remove as much food debris and plaque as possible. In addition, getting an interdental brush will help you clean between your teeth and wires effectively.
2. Do not skip flossing
Flossing with braces might seem like a rather difficult task. Generally, it is not. In fact, flossing is crucial for gum health. Using an orthodontic floss or a floss threader can make the task much easier. Flossing is the best treat for your gums. So, make it a non-negotiable aspect of your everyday routine.
3. Conduct regular dental cleaning
Daily brushing and flossing on your own is not going to be enough. Without professional tools, we can never achieve complete and thorough cleanliness. Hence, regular visits to your dentist for professional cleaning are vital. These sessions will help to remove any tartar and plaque that your daily brushing and flossing missed, keeping your gums in tip-top condition.
4. Orthodontic check-ups
On top of regular dental visits, it is vital to conduct regular visits to your orthodontist. They will help to monitor the progress of your braces treatment, addressing any issues or concerns that could impact your teeth and gum health negatively.
Managing gum overgrowth
Occasionally, individuals undergoing braces treatment will experience gum overgrowth, where their gum tissues proliferate, covering more of the tooth than normal. This can be managed with good oral hygiene. However, if it gets too much, for example during pregnancy, one might require professional treatment from the dentist.
More often than not, gum overgrowth during braces treatment will resolve on its own after the orthodontic treatment is over. Provided there is no tissue detachment, mild overgrowth of the gums should only be a minor concern.
Conclusion
Wearing braces is a personal journey to achieving a more attractive, healthier smile. However, it is also a journey that involves increased caring for your gums. Embrace this period as a time to foster a good oral hygiene regime and keep the gums healthy and robust.
Remember, your gums are the unsung heroes of your smile, providing adequate foundation and support for those pearly whites. Hence, treat them well, and they will, in turn, ensure that your smile stays healthy and bright for years to come!
With that being said, BigSmile Dental Clinic offers orthodontic and other dental services in one convenient location, ensuring that you get a complete treatment from start to end. Contact us today to get started on your oral care journey!
Location
10 Sinaran Drive, #11-18
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506