If you're an older adult who wants to correct your crooked teeth with braces, you may wonder if you're still a good candidate for orthodontic treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, orthodontic treatment can benefit anyone who has healthy teeth. The only thing that might keep you from getting braces is periodontal disease, or gum disease. Gum disease doesn't just affect your gum tissue; it can also cause problems with the bones of your jaws. Here are things to know about gum disease and orthodontic treatment and what you can do to become a good candidate for braces.
How Does Gum Disease Affect Orthodontic Treatment?
Even if your teeth are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment, the bone tissue in your jaws should also be strong enough to withstand the movement caused by braces. Gum disease has the potential to damage your bone tissue if it goes untreated. But knowing how gum disease begins may help you protect your jawbone tissue better.
Gum disease occurs when bacteria from plaque infect the soft tissues surrounding your teeth. One of the problems with gum disease is that it doesn't always reveal itself in the beginning. It's not until the condition damages the tissues that support your teeth that you might notice problems, such as loose teeth or receding gums.
Because orthodontic braces use pressure to move your teeth into place, it may irritate your jawbones in the process. If you experience pain from the movement, you may not want to continue your orthodontic treatment. Taking steps to protect your oral health may make you a better candidate for braces.
How Can You Protect Your Oral Health?
One of the things you may do to protect your bone tissue from gum disease is invest in an electric water flosser. The device uses different types of heads to cleanse plaque and bacteria from your mouth. Some of the heads allow you to reach areas of the mouth that may not be easily accessed with a traditional floss or a toothbrush. If you receive treatment for gum disease, a flosser may work well for you.
Keep in mind that an electric flosser is an accessory to your regular oral hygiene care. It's important to continue using your regular toothbrush and floss to maintain a healthy mouth. But if a regular toothbrush or floss thread causes pain when you use them, consult with a dental provider today. You may need additional treatment for gum disease before you get your braces.
For more information, contact a dental provider such as Crest Hill Family Dental.
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