reese orthodontics logo
reese orthodontics appointment request

Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

orthofi patient login
reese orthodontics logo image
request appointment button

Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

patient login orthofi

Traditional braces will give you a beautiful smile and straight teeth, but achieving that perfect smile sometimes comes with certain challenges. One of those challenges is maintaining an effective dental hygiene routine.  Failing to do so leads to the accumulation of plaque, which eventually produces bacteria that can lead to minor gum disease, called gingivitis. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible and you never need to wait until the end of orthodontic treatment to take preventive steps. But what exactly is gingivitis?  And how do you reverse it after you experience the symptoms of gingivitis?  Keep reading to learn how you can easily avoid gingivitis.

Swelling and Bleeding Gums with Braces

Orthodontic treatments are done on a regular basis to adjust your braces.  It is normal to experience some swelling, bleeding, and soreness for a few days following an adjustment.  Since your teeth are being moved, it requires the existing bone to dissolve for the formation of new bone which may cause pressure and tension, a normal result of orthodontic treatment.

If the pain is persistent, it may be a sign of gingivitis. Since your gums may already experience inflammation when you are in braces, it makes it even easier for bacteria to irritate them. While the lack of good oral hygiene is a primary reason for gingivitis, there are other risk factors that may lead to gum disease including a poor diet, surges in hormone levels, excessive use of tobacco, and broken fillings.

Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious form of gum disease, called periodontitis. If serious gum disease develops, this will adversely affect the bones and connective tissue holding your teeth in place.  You may eventually experience receding of the gums, pockets forming between teeth which may lead to serious damage.  Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for in the early stages of gum disease:

  • Red, irritated and swollen gums
  • Bleeding when brushing and flossing your teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Tenderness in teeth and gums

6 Preventive Measures to take to Avoid Gingivitis

Normally, regular brushing and flossing is the best way to take care of teeth and gums, but with braces, it takes a little extra effort to maintain good oral hygiene. Other simple measures can go a long way to help you avoid gingivitis including:

  • Keeping up with your regular dental hygiene appointments
  • Using interdental brushes to clean around the dental brackets and wires
  • Using an antibacterial mouth rinse
  • Using electric flossers and toothbrushes to aid oral care
  • Eating a healthy and balanced diet
  • Gargling with warm salt water to ease gum irritation

Our expert Charleston County orthodontist and highly trained staff at Reese Orthodontics are eager to join you and your family on the journey to a healthier and happier smile.  To request your appointment with our friendly and knowledgeable orthodontist Dr. Reese, please contact us.

Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
click here to read reese orthodontic reviews
reese orthodontics smile gallery
view more happy smiles at reese orthodontics
reese orthodontics west ashley sc

Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

click here for directions
request reese orthodontics appointment
Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).