The patients treated with orthodontics often suffer from gum swelling. Braces, metal or ceramic or clear aligners, apply pressure to your teeth, slowly moving them into position. Though the intention is to beautify your smile, there are a few temporary inconveniences to keep in mind while doing so. A widespread issue that the average person may experience is gum swelling, a problem that can lead to discomfort, frustration, and even anxiety. In this article, we will cover what causes gum swelling associated with braces, how to cope with it, and oral hygiene recommendations for optimal dental health during your orthodontic treatment.
Why is My Gum Swelling with Braces?
There can be many causes of gum swelling around teeth during orthodontic treatment. Whether you’re freshly fitted with braces or having a swollen reaction after adjusting them, the causes are often related to how the braces align with your soft tissue as you move through your look.
Pressure from Braces
The main cause of swollen gums is pressure from the braces. As the orthodontic appliances apply pressure to move your teeth into their new positions, they also have the potential to strain the gums around them. Treatment can also apply physical pressure on the teeth, which can cause inflammation and tenderness in the gum tissues – particularly in the early weeks of treatment, or after adjustments.
Food Particles Become Trapped Around Brackets
Debris that becomes stuck around the brackets and wires can rest on your gums, causing inflammation and swelling. These are small food particles that can be tough to dislodge and can cause plaque accumulation when not cleaned properly. The buildup of plaque can cause the swelling to become more severe, which can lead to gum disease if allowed to go unhampered.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is a little more complicated with braces. These particles of food and plaque can cause an infection or irritation of the gum tissue if not removed adequately from around your braces. That’s why when you have braces, brushing and flossing well is so important.
Brackets and Wires Annoy Gums
Braces consist of metal brackets, wires and bands that can be sharp and rough in spots. They may create abrasions of the gum tissue, particularly in the first few days after new braces are fitted or during an adjustment. No wonder the irritation can get swollen and sensitive.
Gingivitis (Gum Disease)
Gingivitis, a mild type of gum disease, can form if proper care is not taken. It is characterised by inflammation, redness and swelling of the gums. Gingivitis is frequent in individuals with braces because food particles can gather around the brackets, and if it does not remove with a good cleaning, the gums will be infected.
What Should I Do if My Gums Are Swelling from Braces?
Gum swelling can be an unwelcome side effect of getting braces, but in most cases, it only lasts a short time and can be treated easily with the right care practices. Here are some tips to diminish gum swelling while undergoing orthodontic treatment:
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the key elements in controlling gum swelling. Braces hinder the cleaning of your teeth, but it is vital you brush your teeth (and floss) after every single meal. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush to minimize additional irritation of your gums and do not forget to brush around each bracket and wire to ensure that it effectively removes any food residue that has become caught. Floss threaders or interdental brushes can assist with cleaning between the brackets and wires.
Scheduled Appointments with Your Orthodontist
While orthodontic adjustments are important for ensuring that your treatment is continuing according to plan, they can come with short-term discomfort and swelling of the gums. Be sure you continue with your routinely scheduled orthodontic appointments to make sure your braces are working correctly and the swelling is being controlled. If you do have excessive gum irritation or swelling, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist for advice.
Use Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax indicates support if your supplies of brackets or wires provoke your gums. Putting a little bit of wax directly onto the area of your braces that’s causing the discomfort. This will create a barrier between the gums and the metal elements of the braces.
Rinse with Saltwater
Saltwater rinses: For inflamed gums, saltwater rinses can offer soothing relief from swelling. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into warm water and gargle it for 30 seconds. As braces cause irritation, this natural remedy can soothe the irritation.
Apply Ice Packs
In the case that the swelling is painful, ice can help. Use the ice on the outside of your mouth (where the gums are swollen) for 10-15 minutes at a time. The chill will reduce swelling and relieve pain.
What Happens If You Ignore Gum Swelling While Undergoing Treatment with Braces?
If gum swelling during orthodontic period such as braces is left untreated, it can lead to serious problems. Untreated swelling can progress to gum disease or worse infections. Doing so could prolong your treatment process or cause complications that may need further intervention.
Conditions like gum disease can impact the integrity of your teeth and gums, and if left untreated, also cause tooth loss. Hence, this means that it is important to catch any gum swelling early, so that you can treat it and achieve the most favorable results from your braces treatment.
When to Inform an Orthodontist About Swelling Gums
If you do experience severe gum swelling, bleeding gums or if the swelling does not subside after a few days of following the recommended care, it’s time to see your Dental Clinic Penrith. These might be symptoms of an infection or a problem with your braces that requires professional care.
If needed, your orthodontist may recommend a more personalised approach to your oral care routine or adjust your braces accordingly. Don’t wait for the swelling to get worse — early intervention can help evade complications down the road.
Table: Common Causes of Gum Swelling and Associated Treatments
| Symptom | Cause | Treatment |
| Red and Inflamed Gums | Pressure from braces, food debris, plaque | Improved oral hygiene, saltwater rinse, orthodontic wax |
| Painful Gums | Irritation from brackets and wires | Ice packs, pain relief medication, soft diet |
| Bleeding Gums | Gingivitis due to plaque buildup | Regular brushing, professional cleaning, anti-gingivitis toothpaste |
| Tender Gums | Adjustment to braces, overhanging brackets | Soft toothbrush, avoiding hard foods, using wax |
Do braces cause gum disease? 7 solutions for gum swelling in braces
Your orthodontic treatment can lead to gum swelling, but prevention is your best bet. Here are some tips to keep your gums healthy during your braces journey:
- Brush and floss after every meal to prevent plaque buildup.
- Mouthwash can help you further scrub areas that might be hard to reach with a toothbrush.
- Stay away from sticky or hard foods that can damage the gums or get stuck in your braces.
- The water flosser will wash away debris from between your teeth and braces more efficiently.
What Is The Importance of Regularly Visiting an Orthodontist?
It is important to visit your orthodontist frequently to assess the progress of your treatments and address any issues, such as gum swelling, that arise along the way. Your orthodontist can answer questions about managing discomfort, make adjustments to your braces and keep your treatment on track.
Bella Dental — your trusted orthodontic care.
At Bella Dental, we strive to provide our patients with the utmost level of orthodontic care. If your braces are hurting your gums, or you are experiencing any discomfort due to braces, our range of experts at Jerry and McGough Orthodontics can help you with the process, providing you with all the solutions you need. We know that orthodontic treatment isn’t always a walk in the park and we are committed to making sure your experience is as pleasant as possible at every turn.
Whether you are looking for braces or general support while going throughout your treatment, Bella Dental provides comprehensive supportive care to suit your needs. Contact us today to arrange a discussion and begin your process towards a healthier, more attractive smile.
Read More: Can a Sinus Infection Cause Gum Swelling? Bella Dental’s Guide to Relief in Penrith
References:
FAQs
1. Are Braces Capable of Causing Long Term Damage to Your Gums?
Braces themselves do not permanently damage gums. If gum swelling and irritation are not treated, that can lead to gum disease, which may affect the stability of your teeth and gums. This can also be avoided by regular dental care and visits to your orthodontist.
2. What could help lessen the pain of braces?
You can manage any discomfort that you may feel with proper oral hygiene habits, orthodontic wax, or cold packs to help reduce swelling. Regular check-ups with your orthodontist also mean that any problems can be dealt with early on.
3. How long does gum swelling last after braces?
In most cases, gums swelling is not a cause for concern and it usually goes away with a few days to a week, especially following the initial fittings or adjustments. If the swelling does not go down, you should contact your orthodontist for further instructions.
4. Can you eat the same way with swollen gums from braces?
If you have swollen gums, it’s prudent to limit yourself to soft foods that won’t irritate the gums. Stay away from hard, sticky or chewy foods that may aggravate the irritation.
5. Does gum swelling block my braces treatment?
Gum swelling doesn’t typically interfere with the progression of your braces treatment. But if the swelling is extreme or is associated with bleeding, consult your orthodontist to avoid complications.
6. Do I use normal toothpaste with braces?
You will be able to continue using regular toothpaste with braces. You want a toothpaste with fluoride, but you also want to brush lightly so you don’t irritate your gums and brackets.
