Causes of Swollen Gums While Having Braces and How to Prevent it

Published Date: December 03, 2024 Last Update: December 03, 2024

Author: Dr. Manpreet S. Walia

Did you feel any kind of pain in your gums, especially after getting braces? Swollen gums often cause discomfort, including pain, soreness, and even bleeding. Swollen gums are one of the most common problems that are caused during the orthodontic treatment and can occur due to inflammation, or gingival enlargement. Teeth movement during orthodontic treatment applies pressure that can lead to gum inflammation. Maintaining healthy gums while wearing braces can be challenging for you as you cannot brush your teeth the way you are brushing before. And due to the plaque buildup the bacteria and braces both start to irritate your gums, causing the overgrowth of gum tissue. But don’t worry you can now easily reduce or prevent the swelling of gums and promote healthier gums by checking out this blog. In this blog, you’ll explore the causes of swollen gums and treatments to get rid of this dental problem.

Causes of Swollen Gums

• Pressure from Braces

  The constant, gentle pressure exerted by braces on teeth can inadvertently irritate the surrounding gum tissue. This can lead to mild inflammation and swelling.

• Poor Oral Hygiene

  Braces create nooks and crannies where food particles and plaque can easily get trapped. If not cleaned properly, the plaque buildup can irritate the gums and cause inflammation.

• Friction from Brackets and Wires

  The physical contact between the components of braces and the gum tissue can also irritate the gum line.

• Gingivitis

  This is an early stage of gum disease characterized by swollen, red, and bleeding gums. It's often caused by plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene.

• Plaque Buildup

  Braces create numerous crevices where food particles and plaque can accumulate. If not removed effectively, this buildup can lead to gingivitis, a gum inflammation characterized by swollen, red, and bleeding gums.

• Gingival Hyperplasia

  This is a condition where the gum tissue overgrows in response to irritation, such as that caused by braces. This can lead to swollen, puffy gums.

Tips to Prevent Swollen Gums

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily, using a floss threader to reach between the teeth and under the wires. Use a fluoride mouthwash to kill bacteria.

2. Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings

Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can damage your braces or irritate your gums. Opt for soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup that are easy to chew and are less likely to get stuck in your braces.

3. Use Dental Wax

Apply dental wax to the brackets that are irritating your gums to create a protective barrier.

4. Avoid Bad Habits

Avoid biting your nails, chewing on pens, or other bad habits that can put unnecessary pressure on your braces, teeth and gums.

5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

For temporary relief from pain and swelling, consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your orthodontist.

6. Gargle with Salt Water

Gargle with warm salt water several times a day to reduce inflammation and soothe sore gums.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience severe gum pain, persistent bleeding, or significant swelling, consult your orthodontist immediately. Our expert team of orthodontists in Chandigarh can suggest you best treatments, such as:

• Antibiotics

  To combat infection.

• Gingival Contouring

  To reshape overgrown gum tissue.

• Adjustment of Braces

  To reduce pressure on the gums.

By following these preventive measures and seeking timely professional care, you can effectively manage swollen gums and maintain optimal oral health during your orthodontic treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, swollen gums are a common side-effect of braces, but with proper care, you can effectively manage and prevent this discomfort. By maintaining excellent oral hygiene, avoiding sugary foods, and scheduling regular dental check-ups, you can ensure a healthy smile throughout your orthodontic journey. If you experience severe gum pain, bleeding, or persistent swelling, consult with our orthodontist immediately. They will help you adjust your braces to alleviate the discomfort.