Braces and clear aligners are awesome for straightening your teeth—but your gums need some love too! Since February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to talk about why healthy gums are just as important while getting straight teeth.
Brackets, wires, and aligners can make it easier for plaque and food to get stuck. If those spots aren’t cleaned well, gums can become irritated or swollen—and nobody wants sore or bleeding gums slowing down their smile progress.
Why Gum Health Is a Big Deal
Your gums are an indicator of oral health, so keeping them healthy helps your orthodontic treatment stay on track. Early gum problems can cause redness, puffiness, or bleeding when you brush. The sooner you stop plaque buildup, the easier it is to keep your gums healthy and your smile looking great.
Easy Gum-Care Tips During Orthodontic Treatment
Good habits make all the difference:
- Brush twice a day and don’t skip the gumline
- Floss every day (yes, even with braces!)
- Use a mouthwash to help wash away and kill bacteria
- Pro Tip: Waterpik is an ideal tool
- Clean aligners daily and never put them in without brushing first
- Keep regular dental checkups
These small steps can help prevent gum problems and keep your smile feeling fresh.
Straight Teeth + Healthy Gums = Win
- At Gentry Orthodontics, we’re here to help you build a smile that’s healthy and confident from start to finish. Taking care of your gums now means better results—and an even better smile—later. We will teach you how.
This February, show your gums some love and keep your smile on track!
Ready to set your teen up for success? Schedule your visit with Gentry Orthodontics today. A lifetime of confident smiles starts here!
Gentry Orthodontics • 661 Dunbar Cave Rd • Suite 100 • Clarksville, TN 37043 • (931) 552-5332