Gum disease and your orthodontic treatment

At the office of Dr. Jennifer Martin, we know it's easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort, even while you're wearing braces. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, schedule an appointment right away by calling our office, serving Pleasant Hill and central Contra Costa County. We can refer you to a specialist and begin treatment to give you back a healthy mouth!