People wearing traditional braces have some additional hygiene challenges. At Dr. Gregory Ross’s orthodontic office, we educate patients about how to brush and floss around their wires, but patients need to have the tools to recognize when something is wrong. That’s why this week, we want our patients to learn the signs of gum disease.
Gingivitis is the earlier and milder form of gum disease. It is caused by infections in the gum pockets. When food gets caught, it is consumed by bacteria. The bacteria produce acid, which sticks to the plaque that naturally covers teeth. The trapped acid damages the surrounding body tissues, and inflammation is the immune system’s response to damage.
One of the major warning signs of gingivitis is bleeding during teeth brushing. Other signs are gums that are puffy, red, or feel tender when touched or during consumption of hot or cold liquid. Although gingivitis is more common among people who are pregnant or diabetic, people with braces should always treat it as a reason to improve their brushing and flossing. Brushing near the gum line and flossing with a swinging motion will help keep food out of the gum pockets.
To learn more about Ross Orthodontics, visit Smiles by Ross. Offices are located in Forest Lake, Minnesota and Hudson, Wisconsin.
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