Gum disease is a periodontal infection that develops from the bacteria caused by plaque, and it requires treatment before it affects the health of the gums, jawbone, and teeth and significantly delays your orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to take the following steps during your orthodontic treatment to prevent the development of gum disease.
Brush Your Teeth
Take two minutes twice a day to fully brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clear your teeth and orthodontic brackets of any plaque deposits.
Floss Your Teeth
Use a dental floss to clean your whole mouth, especially the crevices your toothbrush can’t reach, to stop gum disease from developing.
Rinse With Mouthwash
Flush away lingering plaque and harmful bacteria with the help of an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
Visit the Dentist
By receiving professional dental cleanings from the dentist’s team every six months, you can ensure your orthodontic brackets remain hygienic and your teeth and gums are fully cleared of disease-causing plaque.
Our orthodontist, Dr. Michael Jacobsen, and team invite you to call 760-951-7752 and arrange your consultation at Jacobsen & Maleeh Orthodontics to learn more about the relationship between gum disease and braces in Victorville, California.