Pregnancy Gingivitis

Maintaining good oral hygiene is of critical importance when a patient is undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you are pregnant, you may have noticed that you develop gingivitis and your gums bleed more easily. Although this is distressing, it is also expected. We at the Orland Park orthodontic office of Dr. Cynthia Wong pay especially close attention to pregnant women’s gum health to ensure that their orthodontic therapy will be completed on time and satisfactorily.

Pregnant women’s bodies produce large amounts of the hormone progesterone. This hormone triggers the growth of new blood vessels. Although it is necessary elsewhere in the body, it causes the gums to become especially sensitive and prone to swelling. Gingivitis occurs when oral bacteria produce acid as part of their metabolization process. When they have a lot of food available to them, they’ll produce and multiply more. The acid becomes stuck in the biofilm created by bacteria on the teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum recession.

If a patient with fixed braces suffers extensive tooth decay and instability, the orthodontic brackets may have to be removed prematurely. Patients must frequently use Christmas tree toothbrushes to push food debris out of their brackets and use threaders to loop floss around their wires. People with Invisalign must also brush and floss twice daily, and also brush the aligner. Pregnant women who are eating more should be aware that carbohydrates are easy for oral bacteria to digest, so they should be quick to brush away debris from crackers and similar foods. They can also combat oral bacteria by drinking more water and using nonalcoholic mouthwash.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit Dr. Cynthia Wong and send a message.

 

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

It’s especially important for people with traditional braces to maintain their oral hygiene. We want to ensure the patients at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic office do not develop gum disease, as it may imperil the stability of their teeth. Therefore, this week’s blog post is devoted to identifying when the gum pockets need a cleaning.

Gingivitis means “gum inflammation.” It is the lesser form of gum disease, with “periodontitis” describing the more advanced stage. Gum disease develops when bacteria grow in the gum pockets and excrete acid. The acid clings to the teeth’s layer of plaque and damages the surrounding gum pocket. The immune system’s response is to cause the gum tissue to swell up, making it sensitive. Swollen gum tissue will look unusually red and bleed easily. It will be tender to touch and may cause bad breath.

Patients should always treat bleeding gums as a sign of a major problem. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to gingivitis as a result of hormonal changes. If gum disease is allowed to continue, it may cause the gums to recede, making the teeth look unusually long and potentially making it easier for them to migrate once orthodontic treatment is complete.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit Dr. Cynthia Wong and send a message.

 

Braces and Gum Disease

The first stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, occurs when the tissues around the teeth become inflamed. This is already a pesky problem without braces, but when braces are involved, gum disease becomes a little trickier. While orthodontics can promote periodontal disease, they can also reduce the symptoms of it. The case will depend on the patient and Dr. Cynthia Wong can discuss these issues during a consultation.

It is normal to feel pain in your mouth after receiving new braces or wire adjustments because your teeth are working hard to give you a brand new smile. However, the patient should always be aware of gum disease symptoms because the risk is always there. The patient may experience tender or bleeding gums, as well as redness or swelling. To prevent this from happening, those who wear braces should vigilantly brush after every meal and floss at least once a day. It is important to contact Dr. Cynthia Wong if you are experiencing any pain.

If you are concerned about the status of your periodontal health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.