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Wearing braces comes with certain difficulties. One of them is gum swelling. When the braces are on, the gums tend to swell. When braces are on, food particles tend to get stuck in the brackets and wires. This leads to plaque buildup and tooth decay. The buildup of plaque and bacteria irritates the gums, causing them to swell. The gums might swell from low-grade infections to painful periodontal diseases.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup on teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. This disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets where bacteria can accumulate and cause more oral issues. Symptoms of gingivitis include red and swollen gums that bleed easily when touched. Plaque also causes bad breath in many people. People may also feel pain when they bite or chew food. The early stages of gum disease can usually be treated with at-home care, such as brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing daily, and seeing a dentist regularly. However, if symptoms do not improve after consistent home care, the dentist may recommend professional treatment for more severe cases of gingivitis. These treatment options may include scaling and root planing—a deep cleaning procedure that helps remove plaque below the gum line. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat infections caused by plaque buildup.

If you suffer from gingivitis while wearing braces, contact your dentist immediately to prevent the condition from worsening. In addition to seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, be sure to practice proper oral hygiene at home by brushing your teeth with the toothbrush recommended by your orthodontist. You should also see your dentist if you notice any signs of redness, swelling, or bleeding in your mouth, including when you floss. 

Prevention

The good news is that you can prevent gingivitis by practicing some basic daily hygiene measures. First, brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride, which strengthens the enamel and protects the teeth from decay. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food debris that gets stuck between the teeth and under the gum line. Use a water flosser for deeper cleaning.

If you experience any swelling in your gums while wearing your braces, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to help soothe and cleanse the tissues. Mix equal parts warm water and salt in a small container and gently swish the solution around your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out. You can also take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to reduce pain and control inflammation. If your symptoms continue or worsen, contact your dentist as soon as possible. They may recommend antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection and prevent it from getting worse.

If you would like more information on teeth and gum care while wearing braces, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.