During the period of orthodontic treatment, while the braces are bonded to your teeth, you may experience issues such as difficulty in cleaning your teeth and gums. This can result in gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums induced by plaque build-up, which causes the gums to bleed easily.
Fortunately, this problem can be easily addressed. There are simple ways to eliminate gingivitis caused by braces. Your Mernda dentist has simple guidelines on how you can keep your gums healthy while your teeth are being straightened with braces.
Getting Rid of Gingivitis
- Use floss and/or interdental brushes
Patients with braces may have a hard time getting floss between their gums and teeth because the braces’ metal wires prevent the floss from entering the space between the teeth. In this case, you need to visit your dentist/orthodontist who will demonstrate the right techniques on how you can pass the floss under the wire.
Interdental brushes also helps in cleaning between the teeth and under the orthodontic wire. You can easily bend them and get in hard-to-reach areas of the teeth. Interdental brushes are handy and easy to use, as you only need one hand to use them.
- Use the right toothbrush with the right technique
Clean your braces with your toothbrush like you would clean your teeth. During your orthodontic treatment, make sure to use the right toothbrush. It should be a soft-bristled toothbrush.
When brushing apply the modified Bass technique – one of the most popular and effective techniques in removing plaque above and below the gum line. Your dentist or dental hygienist can explain how this technique is performed.
- Use a special mouth rinse prescribed by a dentist
If your gingivitis requires additional treatment, your dentist may prescribe a special mouth rinse. This will help reduce gum inflammation; however, this is not ideal for long-term use as the solution can stain your teeth. Thus, your dentist should advise you on how long to use the mouth rinse.
- Schedule regular dental hygiene appointments
A thorough professional cleaning from your dentist or hygienist is the best way to get rid of stubborn plaque and calculus, which are the main causes of gum problems.
If you think you’re due for a cleaning, don’t be afraid to ask your dental team. Attending regular cleaning appointments is an excellent way to reduce the effects of gingivitis and its related issues.
Be Gingivitis-free with Braces at Simply Smiles Dental
Experiencing issues while wearing your orthodontic braces is often part of the treatment process. However, if you experience issues for more than a week, immediately consult your Toorak dentist at Simply Smiles Dental to get the right recommendation. Working with your dentist you can avoid suffering from discomforts caused by sore and bleeding gums. Combining proper dental care routine and cleaning appointments can help to keep your gums healthy and pain-free.
Our office is in Toorak Village, in the heart of Toorak, and serves patients from Toorak, South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, Southbank, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Malvern, Albert Park, Melbourne CBD, and other metro areas.
We are a Medibank and HCF Members Choice Dentist and an HCF Members Choice Dentist.
Contact us on (03) 9826 2220 or request an appointment online.
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