Orthodontic Treatment and the Prevention of Periodontal Disease
Did you know that orthodontic treatment can play an important role in the prevention of periodontal disease?
These diseases not only affect oral health, but also represent a major risk factor for serious health problems.
But what is the link between orthodontics and these diseases? Well, by realigning teeth and jaws, orthodontic treatment helps reduce the risk of infection.
Find out how!
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues that support the teeth and connect them to the jaws, mainly the gums and alveolar bone. These infections generally result from an accumulation of plaque and tartar.
If left untreated, periodontal disease can have major consequences for oral and general health, including:
- Tooth instability and mobility
- Tooth loss
- Increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases
- Pregnancy complications, such as premature or low-birth-weight babies
Several factors can contribute to the development of periodontal disease, particularly poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetic predisposition and tooth misalignment.
Dental Misalignment and Periodontal Disease
How do misaligned teeth provoke the development of periodontal disease?
A Difficult Oral Hygiene
Misaligned teeth, especially overlapping ones, make daily oral health care more complex.
Dental misalignment creates spaces that are difficult for the toothbrush and dental floss to access, resulting in the build-up of plaque and tartar.
These deposits, which can only be removed by a dental professional, are often at the root of decay formation and, as already established, periodontal disease.
Instability of Gums and Alveolar Bone
Poorly positioned teeth can also disrupt the natural distribution of forces when chewing or clenching, putting abnormal pressure on the gums and alveolar bone.
With time, this pressure can weaken the gums, cause gingival recession – also known as loosening of the teeth – and damage the bone, increasing the risk of periodontal infections.
The Role of Orthodontics in the prevention of periodontal disease
In addition to improving the appearance of the smile, orthodontic treatment plays a key role in the prevention of periodontal disease by realigning the teeth and jaws.
A Simplified Oral Hygiene
As you now know, the realignment of teeth achieved by orthodontic treatment makes daily oral health care much easier, reducing the risk of plaque and tartar build-up, which is at the root of periodontal disease.
Stabilizing Gums and Alveolar Bone
By helping to distribute chewing forces evenly, orthodontic treatment helps reduce pressure on the tissues that support the teeth and connect them to the jawbone, thereby reducing the risk of developing infections.
A Personalized Follow-Up
The orthodontist provides regular follow-up not only to monitor treatment progress, but also to ensure that oral hygiene and gum health remain optimal throughout the process.
Although orthodontists don’t directly treat periodontal disease, they can detect early signs of complications, such as red, swollen or bleeding gums.
This follow-up also enables the orthodontist to provide personalized advice, tailored to your condition and needs, to guide you on how best to care for your teeth during an orthodontic treatment.
Good dental and gum care is essential to avoid periodontal problems, but also to ensure the success of the orthodontic treatment.
The Impact of Periodontal Disease on Orthodontic Treatment
While orthodontic treatment is an excellent way of preventing periodontal disease, it’s important to note that periodontal disease can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the orthodontic treatment.
Periodontal disease can slow down the progress of treatment. In fact, inflamed or infected gums make teeth more sensitive and less receptive to appliance adjustments, interfering with desired tooth movement.
Maintaining good oral hygiene throughout the process is therefore crucial to guarantee success and optimize the duration of your orthodontic treatment.
Dr Normand Bach: Your Prevention Partner
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just improve the aesthetics of your smile; it also plays an important role in the prevention of periodontal disease and maintaining your overall health.
For an effective orthodontic treatment and for preventing periodontal disease, trust Dr. Normand Bach!
