Do you have swollen gums with your braces? Dental braces are orthodontic appliances to move your misaligned teeth into proper positions. Even though the treatment is effective, it can cause redness and soreness in the gums. Your gums tend to swell when your braces are new and are being adjusted. However, swollen gums could indicate other conditions as well.
In this blog, we will talk about how swollen gums and braces might be related. So, if your gums are inflamed with braces, keep reading!
Causes of Swollen Gums With Braces
You might find it challenging to brush your teeth ever since you received braces. However, that does not mean you should avoid brushing.
Poor oral hygiene is harmful to your teeth in general, but even more so with braces. This is because food and bacterial plaque find it convenient to stick to your teeth with braces. As a result, you might notice swollen gums with braces, which could indicate gingivitis.
Braces apply constant pressure on teeth, moving them in the proper position. Consequently, it leads to changes in gums and jaw bones. Therefore, gum swelling and pain might just be due to new braces. Moreover, adjusting braces also results in slight discomfort. Sticking to proper oral hygiene can reduce the symptoms.
Other than this, plaque buildup or gum irritation due to braces can trigger a condition called gingival hyperplasia. Overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth can result in this condition. In minor cases, increased oral hygiene habits can help. Still, severe cases of gingival overgrowth require surgical removal.
Your gums can also become swollen with braces due to certain bad habits. For instance, if you chew on a pen or push your tongue against your teeth, it could cause inflamed gums. Furthermore, limiting your intake of sugary food can also significantly improve your gum health.
Treating Swollen Gums From Braces
Now you know why inflammation in gums is common in people with braces. Thus, you should adopt habits to reduce swollen gums with braces. You can prevent swelling with a few habit changes.
The primary way to eliminate swollen gums with braces is to maintain proper brushing and flossing. In addition, regularly cleaning your braces can go a long way in alleviating inflammation. Your dentist can diagnose the cause of your swollen gums and offer adequate treatment.
You can also try the following to avoid swelling in your gums:
- Using an electric toothbrush with a special orthodontic head. Get a toothbrush that informs you when you have brushed enough.
- Clean under and around the wires with interproximal brushes and a floss threader.
- Utilizing a water flosser to remove debris from the gums.
- Ask your dentist’s advice on which antimicrobial mouthwash to use.
- Try saltwater rinses to reduce inflammation.
- Regularly visit your dentist for dental cleanings and examinations.
What Should I Do?
Wearing braces are pretty effective for misaligned teeth, but they can be challenging as well. You might need time to adjust to the changes braces can bring. For example, you could have swollen gums with braces.
Visit our Village Park Family Dental team for your dental issues. Our dental team can make dealing with braces convenient and easy. Dial (281) 376-4444 to talk to us now. You can also visit us at 12617 Louetta Rd Suite #204, Cypress, TX 77429.