Many of our patients are surprised when they develop swollen or bleeding gums with braces. Although this can be worrying, gum inflammation caused by braces is very common and can almost always be cured. The main reason for gum inflammation is the difficulty in cleaning plaque from the gumline when wearing braces.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups can help reduce inflammation and keep your gums healthy throughout treatment. With proper guidance and consistent care, you can manage gum problems effectively and maintain healthy gums while wearing braces.
Why Do Braces Make Gums More Vulnerable?
It is generally recognized that orthodontic braces themselves do little damage to the gums. It is the brackets, wires, bands and other appliances of the braces that create additional surfaces on which food particles and plaque can accumulate and, more importantly, be hard to clean.
Typically, a toothbrush glides over the surfaces of the teeth and below the gumline with ease. However, with the presence of braces, additional time and attention is required to thoroughly clean around the brackets and under the wire to remove plaque.
This irritation can cause the gums to become:
- Red or darker than usual.
- Puffy or swollen.
- Tender while brushing.
- More likely to bleed when touched.
The development of plaque-induced inflammation can be quick, which is why maintaining good oral hygiene during the treatment with braces is more important than ever.
In addition to regular brushing, interdental brushes, floss threaders and other special cleaning devices are needed to clean difficult-to-reach areas between brackets and around wires.
Common Causes of Swollen or Bleeding Gums with Braces
Gums can swell or start to bleed during your orthodontic treatment for many reasons.
Plaque-Induced Gingivitis
Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), one of the common causes of bleeding gums. The accumulation of plaque on the teeth, brackets and under the bands can cause gingivitis. This is characterized by red, sore and bleeding gums.
Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed by proper removal of plaque and possibly by a professional cleaning.
Gingival Enlargement
The gums of some patients become over-sensitive and develop into a gum overgrowth. They become thick and in severe cases may even cover parts of the brackets.
This gum disease can be caused by plaque, be genetically determined or be caused by certain medicines. If the gingival enlargement is severe, one should seek the advice of a dentist.
Irritation from Brackets or Wires
When an orthodontic appliance such as a wire, bracket or component becomes irritated against the gum then localised swelling and soreness can develop in that part of the mouth. Your dentist or orthodontist can check if a readjustment of your appliance is required.
Hormonal Changes
Normal hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and different stages of the menstrual cycle can make gum tissues more sensitive to plaque. This increased sensitivity can lead to gum inflammation, swelling, and enlargement. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups can help manage these changes and keep your gums healthy.
Mouth Breathing
Dentists can also consider the mouth breathing of their patients as a potential factor for swollen or bleeding gums with braces. Addressing the possible cause of mouth breathing can lead to a solution for gum problems as well.
A professional dental check-up in Patna can help identify possible causes of mouth breathing and gum irritation, allowing you to receive appropriate advice and care.
Certain Medications
A number of medications can cause gums to increase in size or change in texture. If you notice that your gums have become bigger after you started taking a new prescription or over-the-counter medication, report this to your dentist. Do not stop taking a prescription medication without consulting the prescribing doctor.
Diet and Oral Hygiene Habits
Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and sticky foods can lead to an increase in plaque, and a diet lacking in variety can make it more difficult to maintain healthy tissues in the mouth. It is therefore especially important to select tooth-friendly foods and to clean teeth thoroughly during orthodontic treatment.
If you have swollen or bleeding gums with braces, you shouldn’t let it slide. You can avoid complications by keeping your teeth clean the right way, taking care of what your orthodontist says, and checking in with our dentist regularly.
Is Some Bleeding Normal in the First Weeks?
Some patients experience mild tenderness of teeth and surrounding tissues for a short period following brace fitting or adjustment. Also, temporary discomfort when cleaning may be expected.
However, ongoing bleeding, redness and swelling are not normal parts of wearing braces.
Occasional bleeding of gums can occur but if your gums continue to bleed on a regular basis, become swollen or red and despite your best efforts to clean between your teeth and below your gums, remain inflamed or reddened, it is worth having them checked for signs of gum inflammation.
There is a difference between the discomfort of new orthodontic appliance parts fitting or of having your mouth cleaned whilst you have braces, and of gum inflammation.
How to Fix Swollen or Bleeding Gums: Daily Care That Actually Works
Swollen, red, or bleeding gums are common concerns during braces treatment. Understanding the causes can help you maintain healthy gums and prevent complications throughout your orthodontic journey.
- Keep your plaques under control to have healthy gums while you are wearing braces.
- Brush gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and brush along the gumline and around brackets on all sides after each meal.
- Clean between teeth with interdental brushes or use floss threaders to clean between teeth where food and plaque collect and your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Use a water flosser for cleaning the areas around your brackets and wires to dislodge food and plaque.
- Even if gums are bleeding, continue to gently clean them on a regular basis. If bleeding persists, ask your dentist for advice.
- A mild warm salt-water rinse can help to soothe gums that are inflamed. Remember to use it as a supplement and not instead of brushing and interdental cleaning.
Maintaining healthy gums requires proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. If swelling, redness, or bleeding persists, consult a reliable dental clinic in Patna, such as Dr. Sachin’s Dental, for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
How Dr. Sachin’s Dental Can Help?
At Dr. Sachin’s Dental, our concern is to diagnose the cause of inflammation of the gums and then to treat them accordingly.
During the dental evaluation, the team will try to determine the cause of your bleeding gums, whether it is due to plaque-induced gingivitis, gum enlargement or local irritation or any other periodontal disease.
Your treatment may involve a professional clean and scaling, the provision of special oral hygiene and advice on how to use interdental brushes, floss threaders or a water flosser while wearing braces.
In some cases the orthodontic component could be causing irritation to the gums. Early treatment of persistent gum problems can also prevent them from interfering with your orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Sachin’s Dental Clinic in Patna provides excellent dental care services to all our patients. We provide the best dental care for patients with both dental and orthodontic problems.
Conclusion
Oral swollen or bleeding gums with braces are very common and need to be addressed as early as possible as in most cases gum inflammation is due to accumulation of plaque around brackets and at the gumline and can be controlled with proper oral hygiene.
At Dr. Sachin’s Dental, we understand that having gum problems while you are having your teeth straightened can be frustrating. However, we are here to help. We will try and work out what has caused your problem and clean your teeth as best we can.
Regular dental check-ups can help keep your gums healthy throughout braces treatment. Consult with our dentist Dr. Sachin Kumar if you are experiencing swollen or bleeding gums with braces.
