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February is Gum Disease Awareness month, a timely reminder that preventing gum disease is one of the best ways to protect our oral health. 

Gum disease is easily treated in its earliest stages. Left untreated, the progressive nature of gum disease makes it one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. 

And while we often think of gum disease as an older person’s disease, the fact is that teens and young adults can suffer from gum disease, too. Irregular brushing and flossing habits, hormone fluctuations, family history, and even orthodontic treatment can make people of any age more vulnerable to gum disease.

Let’s take a moment in this shortest month of the year to discuss how understanding, treating, and, above all, preventing gum disease can help us enjoy long-lasting healthy smiles.

How Gum Disease Develops

Gingivitis is the first, mild stage of gum disease. 

• Gingivitis begins with plaque. 
• Plaque irritates gum tissue, causing inflammation, which is the body’s reaction to injury or infection. 
• Typical symptoms include gums which are swollen or red. The gums might feel tender or bleed easily when you brush or floss. You could develop persistent bad breath. 

With proper care, gingivitis is reversible. Because gingivitis symptoms can be very mild, they’re sometimes overlooked. That’s why it’s important to keep up with regular checkups to discover and treat the disease in its earliest stages. 

Periodontitis is a serious gum disease which is destructive to the structures which support our teeth: gums, connective tissue, and bone. 

• Plaque, when it’s not removed, hardens into tartar, which can form on the tooth above and below the gumline. 
• The gums pull away from plaque and tartar deposits, creating a space between the gum tissue and tooth roots. 
• As the gums continue to recede, pockets form between the teeth and gums.
• Infection-causing oral bacteria thrive in these pockets. Gum infections can lead to painful abscesses—but gum disease is not just an infection.
• The body normally responds to bacterial infection with inflammation. With periodontitis, this inflammation becomes destructive chronic inflammation. 
• Over time, chronic inflammation and infection break down the gum tissue, bone, and connective tissue holding teeth in place. Teeth become loose or shift out of alignment.

The tooth’s support structure eventually becomes so compromised that extraction is the only option. That’s why prompt treatment is essential.

Treating Gum Disease

Several options are available to treat gum disease, depending on its severity.

Treatment for gingivitis can be as simple as paying more careful attention to your brushing and flossing and, if necessary, seeing your dentist for a professional cleaning. In some cases, your dentist might recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash or rinse.

Periodontitis requires specialized treatment from your dentist or periodontist, and this treatment will be based on how advanced the condition is:

• Topical, oral, or time-release medications treat infection.
• Non-surgical deep cleaning procedures called scaling and root planing remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, allowing gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. 
• Flap surgery treats more advanced gum infection by reducing pocket depth and re-securing the gums snugly around the teeth.
• If needed, bone grafts, gum grafts, and other regenerative procedures are available which help repair and restore damaged tissue.

Preventing Gum Disease

What many people aren’t aware of is just how preventable gum disease is! Because wearing braces can make brushing and flossing more challenging, it’s especially important during these months to stay on top of your dental hygiene and be on the lookout for signs of gingivitis.

• Brush twice a day for two minutes each time, after every meal, or more often if your orthodontist recommends it. 
  • Use proper brushing technique, angling your brush toward the gums to gently clean around and below the gum line. Be sure to brush around your brackets and under your wires. Use a soft-bristled brush to protect both gum tissue and tooth enamel.
• Floss once each day, after every meal, or as directed by Dr. Elizabeth Hite, DMD, MS. 
• There are specialized brushes and flossers available to make cleaning around brackets and wires much easier. Electric toothbrushes and water flossers can also be helpful in removing hard-to-reach plaque. Ask Dr. Elizabeth Hite, DMD, MS to recommend the flossing tools and techniques which will work best for you.
• See your dentist regularly. Gum disease can be invisible in its beginning stages. Discovered early, treatment is simple and effective. 
• Having your teeth cleaned every six months, or as recommended, will remove tartar buildup which brushing alone can’t handle. 

Your dental hygienist is experienced in cleaning teeth when patients wear braces. And you can get tips for better brushing and flossing techniques from the team at Bauer Hite Orthodontic Specialists in Edwardsville, too!

Even when it seems like there aren’t enough days in the month or hours in the day, it takes just a few minutes daily to care for your gums and teeth. And when you’re aware of just how much those few minutes mean to a healthy smile, it’s time well spent!

Modern dentistry has made the most of today’s technological innovations. And we’ve come a long way from the fraying sticks our ancestors used as toothbrushes.

On the other hand, while it’s a lot better than a fraying stick, the manual toothbrush model you’ve used for years might be ready for an upgrade. Should you take this opportunity to try out some new technology offering all the bells and whistles? Let’s answer that question by asking a few more questions.

Happy with your manual brush?

If you like your manual toothbrush and it’s doing the job, by all means, stick with it. But even your old familiar brush can evolve:

• There are lots of bristle options, but soft bristles are almost always the way to go. Medium and hard bristles can be too abrasive for your enamel.
• Heads come in a variety of sizes, so make sure the head size is comfortable. You want to be able to maneuver to reach every tooth surface, which a too-large brush head just can’t do.
• Try a different handle shape if you’re having trouble maneuvering and keeping a firm grip.
• Change your brush regularly. Brushes are effective for about three months before the bristles start to fray and breakdown. This is a good opportunity to experiment with different brands and styles.

Does your old brush suit your current needs?

Different types of manual toothbrushes are available for effective and comfortable brushing when you need options that a typical brush doesn’t provide:

• Special orthodontic toothbrushes are designed with bristles trimmed to fit around brackets and wires and smaller heads to reach into tight places.
• For those with mobility issues, brushes with larger or easy-grip handles make cleaning more comfortable.
• Brushes with extra-soft bristles are available if you have enamel erosion or sensitive gums.
• Because many women find their gums become especially sensitive during pregnancy, there are brushes designed especially for moms-to-be.

Is it time to go electric?

If you haven’t tried an electric toothbrush before, you might find that getting braces is a great reason to give one a spin.

• Electric toothbrushes can outperform manual models. A dedicated brusher might manage hundreds of brushstrokes for each minute of brushing, while an electric brush can provide thousands. If, despite your regular brushing, you have plaque build-up, an electric brush might be a good alternative to your manual brush.
• Models are available which can alert you when you’re brushing too hard—which is important for your enamel if you’re a heavy-handed brusher.
• If you tend to *think* you’ve brushed for the recommended two minutes, but have *actually* brushed 32 seconds, some electric brushes come with timers!
• There are tapered electric orthodontic brush heads designed just for people with braces.
• Electric brushes have bigger handles and can be easier to grip.

Is your current brush doing the job?

So, should you stick with the familiar toothbrush that’s worked for you all these years, or take this opportunity to try out some new technology that offers all the bells and whistles? The answer is clear: the right brush for you is the one that works!

If your regular checkups show that plaque is under control, you’re doing just fine with the brush in hand. If you or Dr. Elizabeth Hite, DMD, MS notice plaque buildup, it’s time to consider making some changes. Whether it’s a question of tools, techniques, or time spent brushing, your Edwardsville dental team has the answers you need for state-of-the-art dental hygiene.

When you’re busy at school or work, when you’re on vacation, when you’re on the road to adventure—preparation helps everything go smoothly. Especially when the unexpected happens! So, how can you be prepared for any orthodontic and dental situations which might arise? By creating these useful—and portable—travel kits.

Everyday Basics Kit

Dentists recommend brushing twice a day and flossing at least once each day for clean and healthy teeth. But after a long day at school or work with no time to head home before your date, or a garlic-heavy lunch in the cafeteria, or a dash from the classroom to after-school activities, you might feel like there’s no time like the present to give your smile a bit of a boost.

Be prepared with a small travel bag filled with these easy-to-carry basics to get you through your busy day with clean teeth, fresh breath, and a confident smile:

• Toothbrush and case—and do make sure your case is ventilated so your brush can air dry. Bacteria love a closed, damp environment!
• Toothpaste
• Mini-bottle of mouthwash
• Small mirror—to check for any lunch leftovers
• Dental floss—to remove any lunch leftovers. Use braces-friendly dental floss if you have traditional braces.
• Dental Wax—to cover any uncomfortable wires or brackets
• Interproximal brushes—to remove food particles from around your braces and between your teeth
• Extra rubber bands
• Aligner/Retainer case—keep your aligner or retainer safe and clean while you’re eating

Flight Gear

Getting set to travel by air again after this long lay-over? Your basic kit will do the job with just a few minor additions and alterations.

• A travel version of your manual or electric toothbrush and travel case
• Plug adapter or voltage converter as needed for your electric brush if you’re visiting another country
• Quart size, resealable plastic bag to hold your carry-on supplies. Toothpaste and mouthwash are included in the list of items which need to fit carry-on guidelines.
• Travel-size toothpaste—3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller tube size. (And an almost-empty regular size tube doesn’t count!)
• Travel-size mouthwash—also in a 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller container
• Our Edwardsville office’s phone number. In case of emergency, Dr. Elizabeth Hite, DMD, MS can give you advice on how to handle any problem which might arise when you’re far from home.

Looking for Adventure?

If you’re camping in the forest, leaving for the lake, going for a road trip, or heading out on any travel adventure, you’ll be bringing the dental care basics, of course. We’d also like to recommend some items to take along in the event of a dental emergency while you’re away from home:

• Dental mirror
• Cotton rolls
• Over-the-counter pain relief—including a tube of oral pain relief gel
• Ice pack
• Dental wax—this handy item not only protects against sharp wires, it can cover the sharp edges of a broken bracket
• Temporary fillings—to protect your sensitive tooth if a filling or crown is lost
• Tooth preservation kit—to protect a dislodged tooth in case it can be reimplanted. (This means seeing a dentist very quickly, usually within 30 minutes of the accident.)

And, if you’ll be mountain biking, water skiing, or enjoying any activity where there’s potential for impact, don’t forget to pack your mouthguard!

Preparation is key to eliminating a lot of stress in our daily lives, and who couldn’t use a bit of stress-relief these days? Make room in your bag, locker, desk, luggage, or backpack for some portable, lightweight dental necessities. Be prepared to share your confident, healthy smile no matter what life has in store!

Valentine’s Day is on the way, and sweet treats are a Cupid-approved Valentine’s tradition. Make your day even sweeter by showing your smile some love while enjoying your favorites.

Choose Healthy and Braces-Friendly Desserts

When it comes to desserts which are good for you and your braces, some are love at first bite:

• The Charms of Chocolate

If you’re head over heels for chocolate, good news! Soft chocolate candies and truffles and moist chocolate cakes and cupcakes are a safe (and tasty) choice.

For a richer chocolate experience, consider dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is often called a “superfood” because it’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Dark chocolate also contains less sugar than milk or white chocolate, so it’s the perfect dental choice for chocoholics.

• Dairy Delights

Dairy foods might be your perfect match when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The calcium and phosphorus minerals in milk, yogurt, cream, and other dairy products help strengthen and restore tooth enamel. The vitamin D in dairy foods helps our bodies absorb these minerals and put them to work. Vitamin D also plays a role in preventing gum disease.

Creamy puddings, parfaits, ice creams, and gelatos—without chewy or crunchy additions—are easy on your braces. For even healthier options, try yogurt-based desserts. Yogurt has less sugar than its creamy cousins as well as probiotics for better gum and oral health.

• Fancy Fruits

Perhaps fruits are the apple of your eye. After all, fruits are a wonderful source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Flavorful smoothies, juicy fruit kabobs, and rich sorbets might be less traditional Valentine’s choices, but are no less delicious! When made with pureed fruits, soft fruits, and thin-sliced fruits, they’re braces-friendly as well.

Since a little decadence is expected on Valentine’s Day, why not treat yourself to strawberries dipped in chocolate? Besides the vitamins and minerals which strawberries offer, they also contain malic acid, which can act as a natural tooth-whitener.

Avoid Treats on the Naughty List

Okay, Cupid doesn’t have a naughty list. But if he did, these foods would definitely be on it because of the damage they can cause to your teeth and braces.

• Hard and Crunchy Confections

Hard candies, peanut brittle, lollipops, nutty candy bars—if it’s hard to bite into, it’s hard on your braces, and can damage brackets and wires.

• Chewy Candy

Caramels, taffy, licorice and other super-chewy rolls and candies can break brackets and bend wires. And they’re difficult for Dr. Elizabeth Hite, DMD, MS to remove from the surface of teeth and braces.

• Sticky Sweets

Soft and sticky candies like gumdrops, jellybeans, and other gummy treats stick to your brackets and wires, making it hard to clean sugary remnants from your teeth and potentially damaging to your braces.

• Sour Candy

Sour candies and sour gummy anythings aren’t good for your teeth. Highly acidic foods erode the mineral strength of your tooth enamel, and this can lead to tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.

Treat Yourself Well—But Not Too Often!

While it’s tempting to enjoy Valentine’s treats all day long, do your enamel a favor and snack moderately. Eating frequently throughout the day, or “grazing,” defeats one of your body’s amazing natural methods of cavity prevention.

It’s not just people who enjoy sugar—oral bacteria love sugar, too. Sugar fuels the bacteria which are responsible for cavities. Bacteria in plaque use sugar to create acids which, like acidic foods, cause enamel erosion and decay.

Part of the body’s natural cavity-fighting mechanism is saliva. Saliva washes away food particles and bacteria, provides minerals to reinforce enamel strength, and helps neutralize acids.

But it takes about 30 minutes for saliva’s neutralizing process to begin. Constant snacking delays acid neutralization and reduces its period of effectiveness. Limit your snacks and avoid grazing to help your body’s natural defenses work their best for you.

Give Your Smile Some Extra TLC

We all enjoy a special dessert on a special occasion–and Valentine’s Day certainly qualifies! Just remember to take special care with your dental hygiene after enjoying sugary treats.

• Brush and Floss

Be sure to brush and floss as often as the team at Bauer Hite Orthodontic Specialists recommends. It’s a good idea to give your teeth an extra brushing after an especially sugary confection to remove food particles from brackets and wires.

• Drink Water

Water not only hydrates, it encourages saliva production. And, if you can’t brush right away, rinsing with water helps remove food particles from your teeth and braces.

Valentine’s Day is a day celebrated with all kinds of sweet things, and one of the sweetest is your healthy smile. Make this Valentine’s Day in Edwardsville special by showing your smile the love it deserves!