Never Take Your Healthy Teeth for Granted

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that a number of people often experience. This form of gum disease is more common because it is not as severe. This also means that it can be reversed with an improvement in dental care habits. Gum disease is something that can be commonly experienced in individuals who wear dental appliances like braces and Invisalign. This occurs because the dental appliance makes it more difficult to clean the gum line and remove any kind of buildup if the person is not diligent. If your teen is wearing Invisalign, then gingivitis can result in a number of setbacks. Luckily, there are a number of tips that you can use to help them avoid this.

Do not Allow Your Teen to Finish a Meal without Brushing Their Teeth

It is extremely easy to postpone brushing your teeth after a meal. By the time you know it, you may be eating a new meal without having brushed your teeth for hours. This may not be a big issue for individuals without Invisalign. However, if you wear Invisalign, then brushing your teeth should quickly become a part of the eating process. Going a number of hours without removing food and other contaminants from the gum line will only attract bacteria. As a parent, you should instruct your teen to clean their mouth in between meals. Teens can keep their mouth clean by using a toothbrush and following up with a water flosser.

Avoid Serving Your Teen Sticky Foods

Some of the most enjoyable snacks and meals have a sticky consistency to them. While candies, honey, and other sweet treats are enjoyable in the short run, they can damage your teen's Invisalign over time. The sticky substance is difficult to remove and pulls at the device if it is still on the teeth when you put it back in. When a food item is more difficult to remove from the tooth surface or the gum line, then it tends to remain there for an extended period of time. By the time the substance is noticed, it will have already hardened into plaque or tartar. If your teen has a difficult time avoiding sticky foods, then they should make sure to cleanse their mouth immediately after eating them. This will help to take care of any buildup.

Any form of gum disease can quickly ruin the experience of having Invisalign. Therefore, use these tips to ensure your teen is able to keep their gums infection free.