Can Braces Cause Gum Recession?
It’s very common to be given braces by your dentists when you need orthodontic treatment. Braces are a very popular route for orthodontic treatment. Their major function is to help the teeth to move gently into a new position. This improves the appearance of the teeth and helps the patient to smile normally.
No evidence proves that wearing braces will cause your gums to recede. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t follow precautionary measures when using braces. You may even need to undergo gum disease treatment if you have issues with your gum. Taking care of your teeth and looking after them properly while you wear your braces is an excellent step to ensure that you don’t encounter any problems along the way, such as gum recession.
Causes of gum recession
There are so many reasons why gum recession happens to people. It’s important to know what these reasons are so you can watch out for them and avoid them.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal is one of the most common causes of gum disease in patients. Bacteria on the teeth can spread the infection to the gums that can cause a lot of havoc. If this infection is not treated, it can pull the teeth away from the gums and sometimes, in extreme cases, even damage the jaw bone. When the jaw bone is damaged, teeth can easily pull away, leading to tooth loss.
Excessive brushing of your teeth
Brushing your teeth is good. It’s recommended that you brush regularly to remove deposits of food stuck between the teeth and stains that can cause your teeth to turn yellow over time. When you brush well, you reduce the risk of having discolored teeth and bad breath. The problem with this is when it is not correctly done. Excessively brushing your teeth can irritate your sensitive gums and cause damage. Not brushing properly can cause plaque to accumulate on the teeth. When this happens, the plaque will likely spread to the gums and cause damage to them.
When you receive orthodontic braces, make sure to brush your teeth properly to avoid gum recession. Try as much as possible to follow the instructions your orthodontist will give you, such as brushing gently and regularly with the appropriate interdental cleaning tools. If you do this, you’ll avoid a lot of oral problems, and you’ll end up enjoying healthier teeth free from gum recession.
Clenching/grinding of the teeth
Some people involuntarily grind or clench their teeth when they sleep. This condition is known as Bruxism, and it has been known to give some people serious dental problems. Grinding the teeth often can cause the bone to recede. This will then lead to recession of the gums as well.
Smoking
Smoking can cause a lot of problems for your oral health. Some cases of gum damage have been linked to smoking, so you should avoid it entirely if you want to prevent gum recession and damage.
The benefits of using braces to straighten your teeth
There are many benefits of braces that can be straighten your teeth with a protective way. Here are some of the benefits:
- It helps with alignment. It can be used to crooked teeth
- It can be used to transform your teeth
- The time frame for treatment is reasonable, about 18 months
- With braces, you’ll receive regular care from the orthodontist, who will be monitoring your treatment
If you are worried that your gums may be receding, a Bellevue dentist is what you need. Visit our Bellevue Azalea dentistry office today for a consultation with Dr. Uparika Sharma. Your teeth will be assessed to know their current state and determine what you can stop or start doing to improve the situation.
If you want to take a step right away, call us at 425-998-8109 to schedule an appointment with us.
