February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of gum health and its connection to overall well-being. We’re celebrating early with some invaluable education!
While most people associate straight teeth with a beautiful smile, few realize that properly aligned teeth also play a crucial role in preventing gum disease.
At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, we specialize in both orthodontics and periodontics (gum health.) Dr. Matsumoto is actually the only dual-trained periodontal specialist and board-certified orthodontist in Wilmington, and one of only a few providers in the entire country!
We are uniquely qualified to explain how braces and Invisalign can do a lot more than just improve your smile—they can help protect your gums and optimize your overall health, too.
How Dental Health Affects Overall Health
Your oral health is closely linked to your overall well-being. Studies have shown that gum disease (periodontitis) is connected to various systemic health conditions, including:
- Heart disease – Bacteria from gum infections can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart issues.
- Diabetes – Poor gum health can make it harder to control blood sugar levels.
- Respiratory issues – Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, increasing the risk of infections.
Having straight teeth makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, reducing plaque buildup and lowering the risk of gum disease.
How Crooked Teeth Contribute to Gum Disease
Crowded or misaligned teeth create tight spaces where plaque and bacteria accumulate, making it harder to brush and floss properly. Over time, this can lead to:
- Gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) – Red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing.
- Periodontitis (advanced gum disease) – Gum recession, bone loss, and potential tooth loss.
Straightening your teeth with braces or Invisalign can improve oral hygiene, reducing these risks and promoting healthier gums.
The Health Benefits of Teeth Straightening
The benefits of braces and Invisalign go a lot further than just a beautiful, straight smile—they provide long-term oral health benefits that help you maintain a healthy smile for life.
1. Easier Cleaning & Less Plaque Buildup
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing plaque buildup and lowering the chances of gingivitis and cavities. With fewer hard-to-reach areas, your toothbrush and floss can do their job more effectively.
2. Healthier Gums & Less Inflammation
Properly aligned teeth reduce pressure on the gums, leading to a lower risk of gum recession and inflammation. This is especially important for patients who already have early signs of gum disease.
3. Reduced Risk of Tooth Wear & Damage
When teeth are misaligned, they can grind against each other unevenly, leading to enamel erosion, sensitivity, and even fractures. Braces or Invisalign help distribute pressure evenly, preventing unnecessary wear.
4. Improved Digestion & Overall Well-Being
Straight teeth promote better chewing, which aids digestion and helps your body absorb nutrients more efficiently. Since oral health is linked to overall health, improving your bite can positively impact your whole body!
Signs of Gum Disease to Watch For
Even if your teeth look healthy, it’s important to recognize the early warning signs of gum disease. Some can sneak up on you! Be sure to look out for:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Receding gumline
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth or changes in bite alignment
If you notice any of these symptoms, early prevention is key! Schedule a complimentary consultation with our periodontal specialist and orthodontist in Wilmington. Dr. Matsumoto will assess your smile, including your dental alignment and gum health to create a personalized treatment plan that optimizes both.
Braces, Invisalign, and Gum Health
Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, the choice is entirely yours! You get to choose which orthodontic treatment best aligns with your lifestyle. Both options contribute to healthier gums by making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and relieving pressure on the gums.
Braces and Gingivitis: What to Know
It’s no secret that traditional braces can make it a little more challenging to clean around brackets and wires. It’s important that you commit to a thorough and consistent oral hygiene routine for the best results.
With the right care, braces will help prevent long-term gum issues!
Oral hygiene tips for braces:
- Use an interproximal toothbrush to clean between teeth and around brackets.
- Floss daily (and gently) with a threader or water flosser. Try flossing after big meals too if you tend to have bits of food stuck in your teeth.
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash nightly to easily disinfect your teeth and gums.
If oral hygiene is a concern, we provide BRIUS® hidden braces, attached to the back surfaces of your teeth! You won’t have any brackets or wires on the visible surfaces of your teeth, and the custom BRIUS arms don’t connect between teeth, meaning you won’t have to work around wires to floss between each tooth.
Invisalign and Gum Disease Prevention
Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easy to brush and floss. You’ll simply remove your aligners to clean your teeth just as you would without Invisalign.
As always, be sure to commit to cleaning your teeth thoroughly and regularly throughout Invisalign treatment, and clean your clear aligners throughout the day to prevent plaque buildup in them.
Oral hygiene tips for Invisalign:
- Brush and floss after every meal before putting aligners back in. Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water each time you take them out.
- Clean your aligners daily, using a mild antibacterial soap and an extra toothbrush to gently brush away plaque and debris.
- Soak your clear aligners a few times a week, using Invisalign™ Cleaning Crystals, Retainer Brite tablets, or a homemade solution of 1 part distilled white vinegar and lukewarm water for 15-30 minutes. Be sure to rinse out your aligners before placing them back in your mouth.
- Stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth, which can contribute to gum irritation.
If you experience Invisalign gums bleeding, this could be a sign of gingivitis or improper aligner fit. Please reach out to Dr. Matsumoto and our team immediately if you experience this at any point in your treatment.
How to Maintain Healthy Gums During Orthodontic Treatment
Whether you’re wearing braces or Invisalign, a consistent oral hygiene routine is the key to preventing gum disease:
- Brush twice a day with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria.
- Don’t skip your regular dental cleanings and your ortho check-ups with Dr. Matsumoto! Your dentist and orthodontist are here to identify early signs of oral health issues.
- Eat a balanced diet to support gum health—limit sugary snacks!
Book a complimentary consultation for a brilliant smile!
As you now know, orthodontic treatment is about a lot more than aesthetics—it’s an investment in long-term dental and overall health. Straight teeth make for easier cleaning, healthier gums, reduced risk of cavities, and better digestion.
At Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics, we provide expert care in both teeth alignment and gum health, ensuring your smile is both beautiful and healthy. Whether you’re considering braces or Invisalign, we’ll help you weigh your options and guide you through the best treatment to meet your needs.
Book your complimentary consultation at our orthodontic office at Porters Neck in Wilmington, NC!
