Gum inflammation is a result of excessive plaque buildup on the teeth and gum line – also known as gingivitis. It can be extremely challenging to keep your teeth clean and healthy while wearing braces due to the brackets and wires. This is why many people who are undergoing orthodontic treatment experience gum inflammation and irritation. As your Kansas City Orthodontist, it is not only our goal to help you achieve a straight, beautiful smile, but a HEALTHY one as well. To get your oral health on track while wearing braces, we recommend the following to each of our patients at every appointment:
Tips to Avoid Gum Inflammation While Wearing Braces
1. Brush Brush Brush! Brushing your teeth is key to reducing gum inflammation
Brushing your teeth is key to keeping inflammation at bay while wearing braces. You will want to make sure you are brushing properly and often. That means ideally one should brush after every meal and before bedtime. Make sure you are using a soft bristled toothbrush and hold it at a 45 degree angle to your teeth when brushing. Take your time, brush gently to avoid damaging brackets or wires, and to make sure you are getting all sides of the brackets. Your total brushing time should be 2-3 minutes. Tiny single bristle brushes called proxy brushes can help you clean easier next to brackets and behind wires. Some people find using an electric toothbrush to be helpful.
2. Floss in between teeth and brackets
Flossing with braces can be time consuming but is so important in fighting gum inflammation. This process can be made easier with the right products provided by your orthodontist or found at your local drug store.
- Floss Threaders – These are designed for people who wear braces so they can floss in between wires and reach the entire gumline. Floss threaders resemble large needles but are made of plastic so they can easily be woven in between the wire and tooth.
- Water Picks – Adding the use of a water pick into your dental hygiene routine can be a great way to combat gingivitis and gum inflammation. Water picks work by using water to irrigate the spaces between your teeth and powerfully blast away debris from other hard to reach places.
3. Rinse
Rinsing after meals with water can help loosen food particles that have gotten trapped around brackets and wires and make the job of brushing somewhat easier. Investing in a fluoride rinse to use at the end of the day after you have brushed may be extremely beneficial. Rinsing with a mouthwash or fluoride rinse after brushing and before bedtime can improve your overall oral health by helping to remove plaque and reducing gum inflammation. Ask one of our team members here at Fry Orthodontics about fluoride rinse and what we they recommend!
At Fry Orthodontics, we strive to have each of our patients leave our office with a healthy smile they can be proud to show everywhere they go! To schedule a free consultation with us, visit our website at: www.fryorthodontics.com or give us a call at: 913-469-9191 | 816-877-0050