Can My Gums Recede After Braces

Can My Gums Recede After Braces from Gledhill Dental in Kennewick, WAWhen it comes to oral health, the condition of the gums can be key. Proper brushing, flossing and the prevention of gingivitis can support good gum health; however, when individuals suffer from crooked teeth, an underbite or an overbite and choose to get braces, this may cause problems with the gingiva. Dental patients who want to repair uneven smiles should be aware of these issues, especially receding gums, which can cause pain and eventually tooth loss.

Why braces may cause gum recession

While braces can be beneficial for repairing uneven smiles by shifting teeth into new positions, they can also have a negative impact on the mouth’s gum tissue. As the braces push and pull on the teeth to move them into the desired position, they may also affect the jawbone that surrounds the teeth. This can cause a variety of problems:

  • Loss of bone near or around the teeth
  • Periodontal pockets between the teeth
  • Gum sensitivity

Over time, as bone loss occurs, loss of the gum tissue may happen as well, which can result in receding gums. Individuals who are considering braces may want to understand what kind of risk factors may be involved and whether this problem can be avoided during and after the straightening process.

Risk factors for gum recession

Some people may already have underlying risks for receding gums, so it is important to understand them before choosing to wear braces. Those with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, may be more prone to this problem. A complete oral exam and a discussion of a patient’s medical history, including gum problems that run in the family, can allow dentists to help these individuals make the best possible choice when it comes to straightening teeth.

Avoiding gum damage

If dental patients with crooked teeth experience interference with chewing or speaking or significant pain, then braces could repair these issues. If there is no evidence of gum disease or a history of periodontal problems, people fitted with braces may be able to avoid gum recession by following a few simple dental habits. Once the braces are fitted, wearers should brush more gently with a soft-bristled brush to avoid wearing away the gingiva. Consistent dental checkups to adjust the braces and inspect ongoing gum health can also help prevent gum damage.

Nontraditional braces such as clear aligners may lower the risk of gum recession because the devices are switched out as the teeth are shifted into place. Those considering braces can ask a dentist if these aligners may be a better choice when it comes to preventing periodontal pockets and other gum issues that lead to gingivitis.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: dental services in Kennewick, WA.

Conclusion

While braces can help straighten teeth and give users the confidence to smile more often, these dental implements can also cause receding gums that can lead to oral health issues. When those who choose to wear braces understand the risks and how to protect their gingiva, the outcome is more likely to be a positive one.

Request an appointment or call Gledhill Dental at 509-800-8410 for an appointment in our Kennewick office.

Related Posts

4 Tips For Oral Hygiene Basics

A healthy smile requires a lifetime of focusing on oral hygiene basics. Even if you currently have healthy teeth and history of proper dental care, a review of best practices is helpful to maintain good daily habits.Focus on the details of these broad oral hygiene basics to ensure you retain your healthy, natural pearly whites…

What To Do Before A Teeth Whitening Treatment

Teeth whitening involves the application of a whitening agent to brighten your smile. Before the procedure, there are some things you can do to help you properly prepare for treatment. This review discusses how you can prepare before a teeth whitening treatment to ensure the safest and most effective results.Every patient will have a unique…

Oral Hygiene Basics: What Are Tartar And Plaque?

Although many people believe that plaque and tartar are the same, they actually have significant differences. Understanding the distinctions between these two dental conditions can help you identify their warning signs and practice oral hygiene basics to avoid them.Plaque is a soft film containing millions of bacteria that build up on your teeth, gums, and…

Related Posts

Tips For Oral Hygiene Basics

4 Tips For Oral Hygiene Basics

A healthy smile requires a lifetime of focusing on oral hygiene basics. Even if you currently have healthy teeth and history of proper dental care, a review of best practices is helpful to maintain good daily habits.Focus on the details of these broad oral hygiene basics to ensure you retain your healthy, natural pearly whites…

What To Do Before A Teeth Whitening Treatment

What To Do Before A Teeth Whitening Treatment

Teeth whitening involves the application of a whitening agent to brighten your smile. Before the procedure, there are some things you can do to help you properly prepare for treatment. This review discusses how you can prepare before a teeth whitening treatment to ensure the safest and most effective results.Every patient will have a unique…