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Preventing Gum Disease During Orthodontics

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Gum disease is one of many harmful dental problems that should be avoided as much as possible. It develops as a result of lingering plaque on the teeth and continues to worsen if not treated, eventually affecting the gums, teeth, and underlying bone, and resulting in tooth loss. It’s possible to prevent this disease, but doing so is more difficult for patients who wear braces. You can take the following steps to help prevent gum disease during orthodontic treatment:

Brush Your Teeth
Twice a day, brush your teeth for two minute intervals to remove any plaque from your smile and eliminate harmful bacteria that can result in tooth decay. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, thoroughly and gently cleaning the gum line.

Floss Your Teeth
We highly encourage flossing because it addresses the hard-to-reach areas of your smile that toothbrush can’t touch and therefore reduces the risk of gum disease. By removing any plaque or food particles from your teeth and gums, you can keep your mouth healthy.

Rinse With Mouthwash
Finish your daily oral care routine by rinsing your mouth with mouthwash, especially a fluoride or antibacterial option for best results. Mouthwash finishes your cleaning job and helps fight any plaque that wants to develop on your teeth.

Visit the Dentist
Professional dental cleanings are the only treatment that can fully remove plaque from the teeth, and we encourage you to receive this treatment twice a year to protect your teeth and gums. Your dentist’s team can clean around  your orthodontic brackets to remove any plaque.

Contact Miles of Smiles at 951-693-9373 today if you have concerns about developing gum disease while receiving braces treatment in Temecula, California. You are welcome to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist, Dr. Tal Jergensen!