Your braces can affect a lot of things inside your mouth; while they’re intended to slowly shift your teeth into a healthier and straighter position, they can sometimes cause other things to happen such as gum inflammation. This is a fairly common issue in patients with braces that is often temporary but has been known to sometimes linger. In any case, it can often be treated with the help of your orthodontist! Here’s a closer look at how wearing braces can sometimes lead to swollen gums and why you shouldn’t hesitate to visit your provider for assistance.

Why Do Braces Cause Swollen Gums?

Generally, it’s expected for a patient’s gums to experience swelling soon after receiving braces or having them adjusted, but what else can be responsible for this inflammation? Here’s a closer look at a few of the primary reasons:

• Poor oral hygiene – Food and dental plaque can stick to your braces, causing bacteria to grow and induce inflammation.
• Underlying health conditions – Patients with conditions like diabetes or obesity are more susceptible to inflamed gums.
• Response to tooth movement – The continuous pressure applied by braces can cause gum discomfort.
• Gum disease – Plaque and tartar buildup can also lead to conditions like gingivitis and gingival hyperplasia, which is the overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth.

How Problematic Is the Issue?

Most people tend to focus on their pearly whites when it comes to improving their smile, but your gums are just as important and shouldn’t be overlooked! Unhealthy or inflamed gums are at a much higher risk of gum disease, which if left untreated, can cause all sorts of issues including gum recession, tooth loss and other issues that might affect your general health such as diabetes or heart disease. Needless to say, if you have braces and are also dealing with inflamed gums, don’t hesitate to seek care!

How Can Swollen Gums Be Treated?

Since swollen gums are often the result of your body responding to changes being made to your teeth, giving your mouth a few days to adapt to the brackets and wires can sometimes help. Taking over-the-counter medication can usually assist with mild discomfort, as can avoiding hard-to-chew foods.

You can also lend a helping hand to your gums by taking excellent care of your smile at home and adjusting your brushing technique as necessary to ensure that your mouth and braces are kept clean. There are also special flossers and mouthwashes that can help mitigate the accumulation of plaque and food particles; even a saltwater rinse can prove useful!

Swollen gums tend to accompany wearing braces; however, it’s a very small price to pay for the improved smile and oral health that’s on the horizon! By knowing what generally causes the issue and how it can be addressed, you can rest assured knowing that your braces journey will be much smoother.

About the Practice

Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Framingham is thrilled to serve the needs of patients and families in the Framingham area! Under the leadership of Dr. Anna Simon and Dr. Sam Alkhoury, we can provide an exceptional level of care that’s certain to help you meet your smile goals. If you have any questions about braces or concerns about swollen gums, or you’d like to schedule a visit, don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or by phone for assistance: (508) 250-0170.