Swollen Gums with Braces: Causes, Treatments & Prevention

Everyone wants a beautiful smile with straight teeth and teeth braces are an easy way to achieve a perfect smile. However, maintaining oral hygiene with braces can get challenging. Dental braces make it slightly difficult to follow a dental hygiene routine which is the main reason for poor oral health. This leads to the accumulation of plaque which eventually paves the way for gingivitis. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible and if you learn the symptoms and the preventive steps, you can easily avoid gingivitis during your orthodontic treatment.

Possible Causes of Swollen and Bleeding Gums

When you get your dental braces, they need to be adjusted at regular intervals. It is normal to experience some amount of swelling and soreness for a few days. Since your teeth are being moved, it requires the existing bone to dissolve for the formation of new bone. And so, the pressure and tension are a normal part of the orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatments often result in swollen gums; however, if the pain, swelling, and soreness are persistent, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying problem. While lack of oral hygiene due to teeth braces can lead to the formation of plaque and bacteria that cause gingivitis, surges in hormone levels, genetics, excessive use of tobacco, and broken fillings can also lead to the development of gum disease.

The Signs and Symptoms Typically Associated with Gingivitis

Red and swollen gums
Bleeding gums while brushing and flossing
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Tenderness and inflammation in teeth and gums

If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a condition called periodontitis. Over time, this more severe form of gum disease can adversely impact the bone and connective tissues that hold your teeth firmly in place. With the gradual receding of gums, pockets are formed in between the teeth. This leads to serious damage. So, don’t wait until you spot these dangerous dental signs. Always keep a close watch on dental health so you continue to have healthy gums and teeth.

While regular brushing and flossing is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums, other simple things can you can do to avoid gingivitis treatment are:

Keep up with your periodic dental hygiene appointments.
Use interdental brushes to clean around the dental braces.
Use an antibacterial mouth rinse that is specifically prescribed for dental braces.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Increase your intake of Vitamin C.
Use the right oral care aids and essentials that are specially formulated for use during orthodontic treatment like water flossers, electric toothbrushes, and waterpik.

Here at Koch Orthodontics, we care about your oral and your overall health. So, we ensure that your teeth braces are customized to give you the best results while keeping you as comfortable as possible. To request a consultation with an experienced orthodontist in Lawrenceville