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Have Braces? Put Gum Disease on Your Radar Gainesville, GA
Teeth And Gums

If you are wearing traditional metal braces, you can expect to deal with a few inconveniences while you are on your way to a straighter smile. However, while avoiding certain foods and feeling embarrassed about your “metal smile” are definitely disruptive, they are only temporary grievances. There’s another consequence of wearing braces that could impact your dental health – even after your braces come off.

Periodontal disease commonly develops in patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed braces. This comes down to the cleaning challenges that brackets, wires and bands can pose when it is time to brush and floss. Poor oral hygiene during orthodontics results in the buildup of plaque and bacteria – the building blocks for gum disease.

Dental plaque is a thin film of bacteria and food particles that form on the teeth every single day. If not removed, the plaque can accumulate and harden into tartar. Here it can irritate the gum tissues and cause an infection within the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth. For those that wear braces, you may notice this as puffy gums that bleed easily. This is known as gingivitis, and it is the first stage of gum disease.

The good news is that gingivitis while wearing braces is easily treatable and reversed if detected early. By scheduling more frequent dental cleanings or purchasing better oral hygiene tools, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy while your orthodontist straightens your teeth.

One of the biggest mistakes patients make is assuming their orthodontic visits take the place of their dental visits. Your orthodontist is not your dentist. Your teeth and gums still need a professional cleaning and evaluation of their health and condition. Your orthodontist is only trained to monitor and correct the position of your teeth.

If while wearing braces you notice your gums are reddened, swollen or bleeding when you brush, these are all signs of infection and the body’s inflammatory response to it. Like any other infection, the longer it goes untreated, the weaker the tissues become. Eventually, you may be at risk for tooth loss if your gum disease gets to an advanced stage.

Don’t sabotage your orthodontic investment by neglecting the health of your gums during treatment. Schedule your dental cleaning at Gainesville Dental Group today!

The Gainesville Dental Group
1026 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville, GA 30501
(770) 297-0401
Monday & Tuesday 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday & Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group

Our Patient Reviews

Bev M.

Very happy with the staff at Gainesville Dental Group. The doctors are caring and experienced. I never am left in the waiting room. The hygienist always ask thorough questions and report to the doctor before the exam, saving me from having to repeat everything. Highly recommend.

Dennis C.

I came to Gainesville Dental Group with a crown that was in bad shape and painful. Dr. Vetter was very knowledgeable about what needed to be done and went to great lengths to ensure the treatment to resolve the problem was in my best interest. He and assistant Sarah Riley were very professional yet personable. They worked together seamlessly in a manner that put me at ease and were very focused on fixing the tooth. Any physical discomfort was minimal and both Dr. Vetter and Sarah were encouraging and positive. A very good experience.

Sarah R.

I come to Gainesville Dental Group for my routine cleanings and absolutely love it! It’s very clean and I love how up to date they are with digital X-rays and photos of the teeth. I had to have a filling and they were able to point out on the screen where my cavity was on the X-ray. It’s much easier getting the work done when you have an understanding of what the doctor is doing! Dr. Vetter did my filling and the whole procedure was pain free! I can’t say enough good things about this group!

Linda H.

Dr. Gannon and Hannah were great. They talked me thru my procedure and made sure I was comfortable and pain free. The office was friendly and pleasant. My hubby and son have used them and liked them. I've found a new dentist! Thank You GDG.

Candace C.

Since I started my orthodontic treatment fifteen months ago, the staff at Gainesville Dental Group have been exceptional. Dr. Vetter is so kind and energetic and Kim puts you at ease while she works miracles! I am thrilled at my results and that they worked within my timeframe. I gladly recommend The Gainesville Dental Group for a personalized experience. Thank you!

Kayla B.

The whole office staff is amazing! Super friendly and helpful. Dr. Gannon has always been very nice and does great work! My husband sees Dr. Vetter and has only good things to say as well. I highly recommend this office!

Lorrie M.

This is by far the best dental group I have been to in a long time. The staff is wonderful and caring. From the front office to the Dentists are a class act. Very kind and explain step by step. High quality work. Don't plan on going anywhere else. My husband has had the same experience. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Tell them Lorrie sent you

Bruce Y.

Great dental visit! Went in for annual cleaning and x-rays. Donna did an awesome job and pointed out a potential issue which she brought up to the doctor who concurred. It was an excellent visit. Thank you to the "team" @ Gainesville Dental Group.

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Contact Us

1026 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville GA, 30501

Tel: (770) 297-0401

Opening Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Our office is open for normal business hours and we are following all ADA/CDC guidelines to ensure staff and patient safety.