One of the most common problems people have with their braces is how their gums swell up after the procedure. Usually, it’s painless, but sometimes, the swelling can be incredibly uncomfortable and make it difficult to get through your day-to-day activities. The question, though, is what causes your gums to get swollen, especially with braces? And is it something to be worried about? Keep reading this blog to get the answers to all your burning questions.
Is It Normal For Your Gums To Swell With Braces?
People who wear braces often complain about swollen gums, and the reason behind it is poor oral hygiene. But just because it is common doesn’t mean it’s normal. That is to say, the constant pressure of the metal wires can negatively affect your gums and jaw, making them appear puffy at times.
However, if proper care isn’t taken and the root cause of the problem isn’t identified, the swelling can worsen over time, affecting your overall oral health.
What Causes Swollen Gums With Braces?
If you’re dealing with a bad case of swollen gums but don’t know what might have caused it, take a look below.
- Poor Oral Hygiene
Taking care of your teeth and gums is crucial, especially with braces. If you neglect your oral hygiene, the bacteria will find its way under the wire, taking root inside your gums. Even though it might be a little difficult to be thorough due to the metal wires and brackets, regularly brushing your teeth and flossing your gums should be able to prevent gum inflammation. - Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, which starts off as gum inflammation. Even the smallest bit of irritation can disrupt your gum health, leading to swelling. - Hyperplasia
If your gums are swollen to the point that they look like they’re spilling over your teeth, it might not be the swelling itself. That is to say, it could be due to hyperplasia, a condition that causes gum tissue overgrowth. - Tight Brackets
The tighter your braces are, the worse it is for your gums. The metal wire can dig into your gums, leading to irritation and swelling. - Hormonal Imbalance
Often teenagers are the ones dealing with swollen gums. It results from a shift in their hormonal balance since puberty tends to mess with their dental health and causes oral inflammation.
Tips to Heal Swollen Gums With Braces
As annoying as it can be to manage swollen gums, there are various ways to soothe the ache and bring them back to their original size, such as:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Apply an ice-cold compress over the affected area to reduce the swelling
- Thoroughly clean your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash every day.
- Get a floss threader or a Waterpik to properly floss between your teeth.
- Use toothpaste that contains active ingredients like fluoride.
- Gargle with salt water solution several times a day to prevent bacterial buildup.
Final Takeaway
To put it shortly, swollen gums with braces are nothing to worry about. Although, if the swelling does not go down in a few days, contact your Almond Dental for more information. You can also reach out to us to schedule an appointment at either of the following locations:
- St. Anthony Location: 3803 Silver Lake Rd NE, St Anthony, MN 55421, United States
Contact Number: (612) 782-7000 - Maple Grove Location: 11301 Fountains Dr, Maple Grove, MN 55369, United States
Contact Number: (763 ) 762-7177