New to braces, and also dealing with gum disease....

[dbrisco]

First of, I'm also new to this board, and I'm so glad I found it so I can have a place to vent and also lend a supportive ear to others on the same boat! Just had my braces put on this month, and I'm happy to say I've adjusted for the most part, although I occasionally get self-conscious when I'm about to laugh or smile big....

I'll be 42 in February, and only now am I doing something about a problem that has bugged me for most of my life. Although my top and bottom teeth are mostly straight, my top canines are rotated outward, giving me "fangs" that have made me self-conscious whenever I smile. (I'll post photos later...)

On my first consultation with my ortho, she expressed concern about my gum disease, particularly on my lower gums, which is why she decided to put braces only on my upper teeth (which is where my chief problem lies...my lower teeth are straight except for the slightly rotated canines). The good news is that my treatment will be cut in half to 12 months, instead of 2 years. (I'm hoping that it will end sooner!)

My ortho also recommended prophylaxis every 3 months instead of the usual 6, to deal with the gum disease. I floss daily, and use a sonic toothbrush, interdental brush, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash twice daily. Should I be aware of other treatments to deal with the gum disease? (My husband plans to purchase an irrigator as well--he's read that it's helpful for those with my condition.) Is it even possible to reverse it? Any and all advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Daisy

[lionfish]

Hi daisy, and welcome.

It sounds like you're doing all the right things to combat gum disease.

[platinum]

My ortho also recommended prophylaxis every 3 months instead of the usual 6, to deal with the gum disease. I floss daily, and use a sonic toothbrush, interdental brush, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash twice daily.

It sounds that you doing quite a lot to get your gums better! I have some gum problems on my top archs. I did not flosh ever before I met my general dentist. He recommends cleanings every four months, flossing and use of electrical toothbrush. I got my lower braces first (it didn't have anything to do with my gums) and after 6-9 months uppers. My upper gums are really much better after flossing and brushing .

Good luck!