Invisalign and your periodontal program

Invisalign and your periodontal program

What is periodontal disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis - an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease , all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following

Redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss.

Crooked teeth are Unhealthy Teeth

Crooked or crowded teeth are independent risk factors for periodontal disease for several reasons:

Crooked teeth are harder to clean.

Toothbrush bristles cannot reach the crevices between crowded teeth making proper oral hygiene more difficult or impossible. Furthermore, the use of dental floss is severely restricted.

Poor Root Support

Severlely crowded teeth are often pushed out of the dental arch. This can compromise the bone holding the tooth into position, and compromise the gum tissue that supports the teeth.

Toxic Bacteria

Studies have shown that the bacteria living in the gums around crowded teeth are much more toxic and virulent than the normal bacteria found im mouths. By stightening and aligning the teeth, these toxic bacteria will be replaced by normal, healthy species.

Combating Periodontal Disease

1: Straighten your teeth

Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease. Invisalign can eliminate crowding without metal brackets and wires.

2: See your Dentist

See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a life saver.

3: Brush and Floss daily. Take your time and do it right.

4: Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash.

Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria