Orthodontic Information

Orthodontics and gum destruction

close up picture a mouth with destructed gum and orthodontic

Orthodontics affects oral hygiene in a variety of ways. A number of patients who have undergone orthodontic treatment may claim to have developed gingival recession after a while.

However, is there a connection between orthodontics and gingival recession? To answer this question, we first need to learn about gingival recession and orthodontics and their effects on one another. Continue reading this article to get the answer to this question.

Research on the relationship between orthodontics and gum destruction

Orthodontists have not been able to find a direct link between orthodontics and gingival recession. Yet, this has not been completely ruled out. There are possibilities that are being looked into right now, however it’s not listed in this article.

The duration and manner of orthodontic treatment may, in certain circumstances, lead to small recessions, but it is not the only factor in the gingival disease. Gingival disease depends on various factors and conditions, which will be discussed below.

destructed gum and healthy gum

Gum destruction and factors affecting it

As mentioned, gingival recession is caused by various factors. Microbial plaque is the most common cause which is formed around the teeth due to poor hygiene. Dental plaque is  often formed in yellow, white, and brown layers at the end of the teeth near the gums.

These microbial plaques secrete acidic substances that gradually destroy the surface of the gums, causing the gums to retract or recede.

Symptoms of gum destruction

Gingival recession has several symptoms which can help a prominent orthodontist detect the disease. The most common symptom is the visibility of the lower part of the teeth, which is normally covered by the gums.

Other symptoms of gingivitis recession include “bleeding after brushing, red and inflamed gums, bad breath, visible tooth roots, loose teeth, and brown color at the end of the teeth.”

destructed gum

Causes of gum destruction

In addition to poor oral hygiene; which is the main cause of gingival recession, many diseases, our behaviors, and your pre-history may affect the incidence of gingival recession. Sometimes the problem may arise from excessive force during brushing. However, more common factors such as smoking, increased plaque and tooth crowding, hormonal changes in women, a history of gum disease in the family, and even diabetes and AIDS are the main causes of many gingival problems.

Investigation of orthodontic impact on gum destruction

The most important point in this case is the orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment should only be performed by a prominent orthodontist. Otherwise, similar problems are likely to occur. During orthodontics, some teeth may change position. Gingival problems can occur in patients who do not brush their teeth properly during orthodontic treatment and do not observe hygiene. It should not be forgotten that orthodontists commonly diagnose such problems before orthodontic treatment. This is due for many complex reasons, but simplified to remove any unnecessary future problems. Along with taking action in the initial sessions to correct their defects. Thus, if you have a gingival recession and want to do orthodontics, you should first undergo gingival treatment and then get orthodontics.

The treatment is not difficult if dental plaque is the main cause of this condition. Scaling is done first. Then the periodontist solves this problem by grafting and in some cases dressing.

If the patient is not in good health, gingival recession becomes a chronic periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial disease that affects the gum tissue and causes complete destruction of the gums and alveolar bone.

Dr Abdolreza Jamilian Orthodontist

About Dr Abdolreza Jamilian Orthodontist

Dr. Jamilian, an orthodontist, has a specialized fellowship in orthodontic surgery and maxillofacial abnormalities and is a professor in the orthodontics department of the Dentistry School of the Islamic Azad University. He is member of Iranian and European Board of Orthodontics (EBO) and is a member of the Iranian, American and European Orthodontists Association.

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