It’s no secret that braces change a lot about your life. From how you eat and brush every day to the position of your bite and appearance of your smile, orthodontic treatment can influence a variety of things! While you were able to prepare for and expect most of them, you didn’t realize how your braces would change your gums. Sometimes, treatments like traditional braces can cause swollen gums. Why is this, and should you be worried? Read on as we go over what you need to know about keeping your gums happy and healthy while you straighten your smile.
Causes of Swollen Gums with Braces
Fortunately, swollen gums with braces is very rarely something to panic about. There are a few very common reasons why the gum tissue may become irritated and inflamed during orthodontic treatment, such as:
- Poor oral hygiene: Traditional braces can make brushing and flossing thoroughly a challenge at times. If plaque and bacteria accumulate on the teeth, they can attack the gums and potentially infect them, causing swelling.
- Dental movement: It’s natural for the gums to swell as they adjust to the movement of the teeth.
- Underlying health conditions: Certain healthy issues, such as diabetes and obesity, can increase your risk of swollen gums while wearing braces.
Your Straightened Smile Needs Healthy Gums
The gums tend to get overlooked when people think about improving their smile or keeping their teeth healthy. However, they are incredibly important to your oral health, and they can influence the well-being of your teeth as well! The gums help keep the teeth in place, so if they are unhealthy by the time you finish your treatment, your teeth may begin to shift back out of their new positions. Additionally, swollen gums are typically one of the first indications of gum disease, which is a serious oral health issue that can lead to tooth sensitivity, infection, and even loss! So while you focus on aligning your pearly whites, don’t forget to take care of your gums as well!
What You Can Do About Swollen Gums
When wearing braces, you can treat and prevent swollen gums by:
- Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing thoroughly daily
- Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash or warm saltwater frequently
- Using specialized tools like a waterpik or orthodontic flosser
- Avoiding spicy, hot, carbonated, or acidic foods and drinks
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication as directed on the packaging
If you continue to have difficulties with your swollen gums after trying the tips above, it’s time to contact your orthodontist. They’ll be able to take a closer look at your smile to determine what’s causing the problem and the best way to address it.
About the Practice
Our highly experienced team here at Simply Orthodontics Milford is committed to helping smiles of all ages achieve happy, healthy smiles. That’s why we offer a wide range of services, including traditional braces, Invisalign, and everything in between! Plus, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. If you’re concerned about swollen gums with braces, reach out to us online or at (508) 473-2002.