Gum Disease: What You Need to Know

Want to smile with confidence? Brandon Orthodontics is a top-notch orthodontic provider, delivering exceptional treatment with a genuine approach. Our patients come first, and our team strives to ensure each patient receives the best possible experience during every visit. We offer more than braces and Invisalign in San Clemente, California – we are oral health specialists and can refer you to a specialist if you, for example, need help with gum disease treatment. No matter your treatment needs, Dr. Alex Brandon and his team will ensure you can get the perfect plan for your smile.

Schedule an appointment today at Brandon Orthodontics and start your journey toward achieving the perfect smile!

Gum Disease: What You Need to Know

Every February, medical professionals worldwide strive to bring awareness to gum disease. At Brandon Orthodontics, we want our patients and potential patients to know why gum disease is so important and how it can affect oral health. Let’s dive into Gum disease and how to prevent it.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum Disease is an infection that damages the tissues and bone that support your teeth. The three stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is when the gums become inflamed due to plaque build-up on your teeth. If treated early enough, gingivitis can be reversed with good oral hygiene habits. Periodontitis happens when gingivitis progresses and causes pockets of bacteria between your teeth and gums, which cause more damage over time. Advanced periodontitis occurs when the bones and other structures that support your teeth become damaged from the infection. Unfortunately, once gum disease reaches the stage of periodontitis, there is no cure. That is why it is vital to stay ahead of gum disease. Fortunately, periodontitis can be managed and controlled. 

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

Good oral hygiene habits are key to preventing gum disease! Make sure you brush twice daily for two minutes each session with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day to remove any plaque or food particles stuck between your teeth or in your braces that brushing may not have removed. Regular dental visits are also recommended because they allow a dentist to catch any issues before they become more significant problems down the line!

What if I Already Have Gum Disease?

If you already have gum disease or think you may have it, don’t worry! It is possible to reverse periodontal disease with proper treatment from a qualified doctor. Treatment options may include scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or even surgery, depending on the severity of your case.

The most important thing is to see an oral health professional. During your orthodontic treatment, if we detect signs of oral health problems, we can assess the situation and recommend a course of action tailored specifically for you!

Gum Disease Awareness in San Clemente, California

February marks Gum Disease Awareness Month, but every month should be about educating people on this issue since it affects many people worldwide. Having healthy gums starts with making sure you have good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice daily for two minutes each session with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily, visiting your dentist regularly for checkups, etc. However, if you do end up having symptoms associated with gum disease, there are still ways to treat it! We want all of our patients to keep their smiles happy and healthy—so see us today if you have any questions about dental health!

With Brandon Orthodontics, you’ll feel comfortable knowing that your teeth are being treated by experienced professionals who understand how important it is for them to look and function their best! We know exactly how hard it is to keep up with the Joneses when it comes to having a beautiful smile, and we want nothing more than for you to achieve those goals without hassle or frustration.