Orthodontic Treatment: How To Reduce The Risk Of Periodontal Disease And Avoid Tooth Loss

Written By Emily Taylor / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Even with regular brushing, flossing and daily oral care, plaque can build up and harden to form what is known as tartar, as well as increase the risk for gum disease and cavities. Orthodontic treatment can help improve the form and function of your teeth and gums, and treat oral problems caused by improper positioning of teeth, decay, overbites, and underbites.

In the early stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, it is possible to reverse the damage and, in certain cases, it is also possible to eliminate the disease completely. However, an early diagnosis and timely intervention are vital to reducing the chances of gingivitis and prevent it from progressing into periodontal disease.

Factors That Increase The Risk Of Periodontal Disease 

• Lack of Oral Hygiene

Neglecting the importance of good dental care leads to poor oral hygiene. Moreover, failure to floss and brush regularly, and the inability to keep up with regular dental visits, leaves you susceptible to periodontal disease. 

• Smoking and Chewing Tobacco

The link between cancer and tobacco consumption is long established, but did you know that smoking and chewing tobacco also increase the risk of heart disease, lung disease and gum disease? Not only does tobacco consumption give rise to gum infections, but it also increases the chance of gingivitis gradually developing into periodontitis. 

• Family History

If gingivitis runs in your family, it leaves you vulnerable to developing gingivitis. According to research published by the American Academy of Periodontology, 30% of the population is genetically predisposed to gingivitis if close family members are suffering from this oral condition. 

• Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal changes occurring during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause affect all the tissues of the body including gum tissues, so if you experience increased gum sensitivity, it may be an underlying sign of gradually developing gum disease. Pay special attention to your daily oral care and visit a dentist for an early diagnosis. 

• Certain Drugs

Certain medicines that are prescribed for treating depression, various heart conditions, and convulsions can adversely affect your oral health, so if you are on any medication, make sure your dentist knows about it. 

• Stress

Stress impairs your immunity and leaves you vulnerable to oral infections. Whether your stress is caused by work or triggered by personal issues, it contributes to teeth clenching, which causes tissue damage and aggravates impending gum disease. 

• Crooked and Misaligned Teeth

Overlapping and crooked teeth are a challenge to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gingivitis. 

• Poor Nutrition

A daily diet that lacks in essential vitamins and nutrients takes a toll on the immune system making it difficult to ward off infections. Excessive intake of sugary foods and sweet beverages causes the build-up of plaque which eventually triggers gum disease.

How Orthodontic Treatment Helps Cure Periodontal Disease

Braces are designed to correct teeth alignment issues and improve the health of teeth and gums. Whether your teeth are misaligned or you have crowding issues, braces can gradually alter the position and spacing of teeth, improve their stability, and decrease the risk of gum disease caused by crowded, uneven teeth. An ideal candidate for braces can be of any age, however, the orthodontic treatment approach will vary depending on the time when the braces are used.

Braces can not only align the adjacent teeth and close small gaps but also open up the unsightly space left by missing teeth and make more room for a restoration procedure. Braces also work to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting into the space created by missing teeth and help prevent many oral problems.

Invisalign Aligners An Ideal Option For Those Who Have Periodontal Disease

While braces efficiently straighten crooked teeth, they could have complications especially if you are suffering from gum disease. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque build-up which weakens the gum tissues and eventually erodes the surrounding bone structure, but it can be brought under control using clear aligners. Invisalign aligners minimize gum infection flare-ups and are especially beneficial for patients suffering from gum disease as they can be easily removed for brushing and flossing.

Orthodontic treatment can also correct oral problems arising in patients with missing teeth. It can also close a gap that is created is missing teeth using braces, if the tooth is not to be replaced.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Emily Taylor found the perfect fit for herself as the online marketing manager at ThurmanOrthodonticsin Fresno CA as she believes that a great smile does more than just make a person look great it makes them feel great as well. The power of a smile has always been a mystery to Emily and she loves researching and writing about it. She loves to write about everything to do with a healthy bite and a beautiful smile - whether is it ways to achieve it or the importance of it in the various aspects of life. What brings a big smile on Emilys face is her family and surfing. She also likes to bake for her children and co-workers - they call her the cookie fairy!

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.