Keeping Your Gums Healthy

1. Gums that has become red instead of pink and bleed easily when brushing.
2. Gum tissue that is puffy, not firm, and assumes a blob-like appearance.
3.  In severe cases, gum tissue that grows around the braces.
4.  This is called gingivitis.

1. Tooth movement slows down. The body concentrates on this irritation and resists the tooth movement so orthodontic treatment may take
   longer.
2. When gum tissue bleeds and becomes sore, it is infected.
3. Puffy gums trap food particles, this may lead to tooth decay, brown or white scars on teeth called decalcification and in many cases causes bad breath.
4. If puffy gums remain until the braces are removed. gum tissue may force the teeth apart creating unwanted spaces.

1. Failure to thoroughly clean the teeth and braces. Bacterial plaque left on teeth will eventually infect the gums causing them to get
   inflamed called gingivitis.
2. Eating nuts, popcorn and chewing gum. Small particles get lodged between the braces and gum tissue causing irritation and infection.

1. Thoroughly brush teeth and gums with a soft bristle toothbrush after eating and before bedtime. Make sure all plaque has been removed.
2.  Swish with water if tooth brushing is impossible.
3. Massage your gums with your toothbrush. You may also rub your gums with your fingers, even while watching television, studying, etc.
4.  FLOSS!! Daily
5.  Watch the hard to clean areas to prevent puffy gums.
6. Use a WaterPik or other oral irrigation devices. This will help but will not take the place of brushing or flossing.

REMEMBER infected gum tissue tends to bleed easily. If this happens. do not stop brushing, but take extra time and care to thoroughly remove bacterial plaque in this area with a soft bristle toothbrush.