Gingivitis and Braces


Dental braces are appliances that gradually modify and shift teeth. They’re utilized to correct problems, including misaligned teeth and jaw misalignment. Braces can cause swelling and discomfort in the gums. When braces are new or being adjusted, this is to be anticipated. Swollen gums, on the other hand, might indicate a dental problem such as gingivitis.

Gingivitis: Facts

Gingivitis affects 50% of individuals in the United States. Gum disease is also relatively frequent among those who are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Braces apply continual but progressive pressure to your gums, irritating. Furthermore, braces do not completely clean your teeth. Periodontal diseases, like gingivitis, are caused by these causes.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Lips that are bright crimson or purple, in contrast to their traditional look.
  • Gums that are irritable, bloated, or swollen.
  • Gum sensitivity and tenderness.
  • Bad breath flowing from your mouth for no apparent reason.
  • Gums bleed a little after brushing and flossing.

Everyone’s situation is unique. You might not experience all or any of the symptoms. Alternatively, there might just be adverse effects of your braces therapy. We advise you to check with your orthodontist before making any decisions.

Causes and Risks

Oral Hygiene Deficit

Food gets lodged in brackets and beneath wires, making it difficult to brush effectively with braces. Bacterial plaque is formed as a result of the collected food, which leads to tooth and gum decay.

Health Issues at the Root

When you have underlying health issues, such as obesity or diabetes, you’re more likely to develop gingivitis while wearing braces.

Furthermore, swollen gums with braces are common in persons who are afflicted with cancer or HIV infection.

Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

Here’s even another incentive to avoid harmful behaviors. When you smoke or use drugs, your chances of getting swollen and bleeding gums to rise.

This is because they restrict saliva flow in the mouth, which helps to eliminate microorganisms. Anti-aging treatments and several Dilantin-containing medications might cause uneven gum tissue development.

Female Hormonal Changes

Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are all periods of a woman’s life regarding hormonal changes. Gingivitis is caused by increased sensitivity of the gums caused by a hormonal surge in the body.

Gum disease is prevalent in the general population. As per survey, with over 70% of individuals in India is suffering from it in some way. However, gingivitis is more likely in people who wear braces.

Braces apply gentle but consistent pressure on your teeth, eventually straightening them. However, the additional “hardware” makes it more difficult to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. And doing it correctly requires more time.

This is why gingivitis is so frequent among braces patients: the bacterial plaque on the teeth isn’t cleaned off, and the gums react by becoming inflamed.

In the absence of treatment, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more severe bacterial infection that is a primary cause of tooth loss. Although adult periodontitis is more frequent, confident children can develop juvenile periodontitis under specific circumstances.

This is why seeing a real-life orthodontist is so vital since most direct-to-consumer products lack the safeguards of seeing a real-life practitioner.

Teeth Movement and Gum Swelling

Teeth realignment is a significant undertaking. Even if you can’t see your teeth shifting, braces induce changes in your gums and jaw bone due to the consistent, steady pressure they exert.

When you get braces for the first time, you may experience swelling and soreness in your gums. Braces must also be adjusted on a regular basis, perhaps once a month, creating gum irritation. This is entirely normal, temporary, and anticipated. Gum soreness around your teeth can be reduced by brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis.

Prevention

Oral Hygiene on a Regular Basis

Brush your teeth three times a day at least,if not after each meal. Use fluoride-enriched toothpaste and a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush. Once a day at least, floss your teeth. To floss the braces, you’ll need a floss threader. Antibacterial mouthwash can also be used.

Certain Foods should be Avoided

Food that is sticky and hard should not be consumed. These foods may become lodged in the brackets of your braces, allowing germs to grow. Braces can be damaged by hard foods. Avoid corn on the cob, hard sweets, hard fruits, and dry fruits, steak, popcorn, and other potentially harmful meals.

Every meal should be followed by a glass of water. It will remove any food particles that have remained in your mouth.

Floss at least once a day

Before going off to sleep flossing is suggested to ensure that your teeth are clean. Just make sure you floss once a day at the absolute least. Flossing in the morning is preferable to flossing at all.

Home Remedies

Here are a few home remedies for reducing gum tenderness

  • Swollen gums can be relieved at home by washing with warm salt water several times a day.
  • It may also be essential to use an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine to lessen swelling and discomfort.
  • When your gums are sore, avoid eating wild, difficult-to-chew foods.
  • Flossing between your teeth is essential for reducing gum irritation. Although you might use a Waterpik, unwaxed floss is the best alternative.

See a Dentist Frequently

When you initially receive braces, your gums may swell for up to a week. You may suffer soreness and swelling for one to three days after they are tightened. Your dentist or orthodontist should evaluate swollen gums that linger more prolonged than that.

Notify your dentist if your gums are swollen and bleeding due to an errant wire or braces cutting into them. They will either modify your braces or apply soft wax to the affected region to protect it.

Although good dental hygiene is crucial, many individuals require a complete “spring cleaning” (i.e., a professional tooth cleaning with their general dentist) to avoid gingivitis and other forms of gum disease.

Tartar (hardened plaque) may only be successfully removed by a specialist. One of the most signficant methods to avoid significant gum issues is to schedule a regular cleaning appointment.

You don’t have to be concerned since gingivitis caused by braces is entirely treatable. As a result, if your swollen gums with braces don’t return to normal after a week, you shouldn’t ignore them.

To get guidance and treatment for gingivitis, consult your trusted orthodontist as soon as possible.

Swollen gums are a frequent side effect of wearing braces for the first time.

After braces are tightened, the gums may expand and become sensitive.

Having braces on your teeth might make it more challenging to maintain good oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene practices, on the other hand, can lead to gum disease, which can cause gum swelling. Brushing, flossing, and washing your teeth on a daily basis can help prevent this.