Braces and gums are closely linked. While braces are meant to straighten your teeth, it is fairly common to experience gum swelling and inflammation during your orthodontic treatment.
This makes oral care extremely crucial during this period. Here is everything you need to know:
How Braces Affect Your Gum Health
Braces make it trickier to brush and floss. Food particles often get trapped around the brackets, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and plaque to thrive.
Over time, this can cause your gums to become tender and swollen—which are early signs of gum inflammation.
If not managed well, gingivitis can progress to more serious conditions such as periodontitis, which can damage both your gums and bones around your teeth.
Common Issues with Braces and Gums
Swollen or Puffy Gums
People with braces can experience swollen gums, especially during the early stages of treatment. This happens when plaque builds around the brackets and gumline, irritating the tissue and causing inflammation.
This may cause the gums to appear red or tender. They may even bleed slightly when brushing.
This condition, known as gingivitis, is often reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
Gum Overgrowth
In some cases, prolonged inflammation can cause the gum tissue to grow excessively. This is called gingival hyperplasia, where the puffy gums make your teeth look smaller. It also makes it harder to clean around your braces properly.
If you notice your gums looking bulky or uneven, your orthodontist may suggest a gentle reshaping procedure or recommend specific antimicrobial mouthwashes.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are another common issue when wearing braces. This usually occurs due to trapped food particles and poor cleaning habits, which can lead to bacterial growth and gum irritation.
Proper oral care like brushing gently yet thoroughly can reduce the bleeding over time. Using floss threaders or a water flosser is also helpful for cleaning between teeth and around the brackets.
Receding Gums
If braces are not cleaned properly, plaque and tartar can accumulate under the gums, leading to gum recession. This exposes more of the tooth root, increasing sensitivity and the risk of decay.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and practising gentle circular motions can help protect your gums from further damage. You should also do your regular six monthly scaling and polishing and dental check up to ensure gum problems are picked up promptly.
Gum Sensitivity and Discomfort
Tightening of braces or new wire adjustments can sometimes make your gums feel sore or sensitive. This is a normal part of the orthodontic adjustment process as your teeth begin to move.
Rinsing with warm saltwater or using a dental wax to cover sharp edges can help soothe discomfort while your mouth adapts.
Tips to Maintain Braces and Gums
Brush After Every Meal
Being diligent with your brushing is one of the best ways to maintain healthy gums and clean braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush to clean around each bracket and along the gumline.
Spend at least two minutes brushing and pay attention to the areas where your gums meet your teeth.
Floss Daily
Flossing should be a daily routine especially with braces. Although braces can make it trickier, flossing can reach areas that your toothbrush cannot. Food particles and plaque often hide between teeth and under wires, which can lead to gum irritation.
Floss threaders and water flossers are great tools for removing stubborn food debris and plaque from hard to reach areas.
Rinse with Mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash helps kill bacteria that brushing and flossing may miss. Choose an alcohol-free formula to avoid irritation and rinse daily to reduce plaque and manage bad breath.
Watch Your Diet
Sticky, hard or sugary foods can damage your braces and promote bacterial growth. Limit your intake of sweets, carbonated drinks and chewy snacks like caramel. Instead, opt for softer, nutrient-rich foods that are gentle on your gums.
This includes yoghurt, steamed vegetables and fruits.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids that cause plaque. It also keeps your mouth moist, supporting healthier gums and overall oral hygiene.
Keep Up with Regular Dental Visits
Routine check-ups are essential during orthodontic treatment.
Your orthodontist can ensure your treatment is progressing smoothly, while your dentist can perform general dental services like scaling and polishing to remove tartar.
When to Seek Professional Help
Seek professional help if your gums remain swollen or painful despite good oral hygiene. This may indicate underlying issues such as gum infection or gingival hyperplasia.
In worst case scenarios, some may experience excruciating pain due to serious conditions like periodontitis or an abscessed gum. These issues should never be ignored, as they can lead to tooth mobility or even tooth loss if left untreated.
Whatever it may be, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist immediately.
The Bottom Line
Braces and gums go hand in hand when it comes to oral health. Remember to practise proper oral care by brushing, flossing and rinsing diligently. You should also keep up with all your dental appointments to ensure your treatment is progressing smoothly.
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