Puffy Gums with Braces: What’s Happening and What To Do?

In addition to straightening teeth, orthodontic therapy has many other benefits. The health and self-esteem of your teeth are directly related to how well you take care of them. It’s not always easy to achieve the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. This article will discuss the causes and treatments you can try to remedy puffy gums with braces. 

Braces and other orthodontic appliances frequently cause swollen gums as a side effect. Typically, this is due to the accumulation of plaque around their brackets, next to their gums, which causes gingivitis. Treatment for gums swelled around braces/brackets is often straightforward. Oral hygiene is essential. It’s always a good idea to see your dentist if your symptoms don’t improve after brushing and flossing, as various conditions might cause your gums to appear swollen.

Causes of puffy gums with braces

Teeth movement

The process of realigning teeth is a complex one. It’s impossible to notice your teeth move with braces since they exert consistent, steady pressure on your gums and jaw bone.

Getting braces for the first time can cause swelling and pain in the gums. Braces must be re-adjusted about once a month, which might cause soreness in the gums. To assume anything like this is very reasonable. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can reduce gum soreness. 

Poor dental hygiene

One of the causes of swollen gums caused by braces is difficulty brushing and flossing when wearing braces. Plaque and food particles stuck in and around your gum tissue are tough to remove with a toothbrush and floss. Gum inflammation (gingivitis) and, if left untreated, more serious gum disease can result from plaque buildup in the mouth (i.e., periodontitis).

Braces Irritation

Braces hardware can hurt the cheeks and gums of those who wear them. The different pieces of your braces may rub against the soft tissues of your mouth and cause discomfort when you first begin treatment since your mouth is not used to having brackets and wires in it.

When you get used to your appliance, these delicate tissues will toughen up. This means that the discomfort caused by braces on the gums is only temporary and usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. Swollen, inflamed gums may not indicate a more significant condition if the irritation goes away after you become adjusted to your braces.

Gingival Hyperplasia

There is an increase of gum tissue around the teeth known as gingival hyperplasia. Poor dental hygiene or the use of certain drugs can cause this disease. However, it is more commonly a symptom than a cause.

In the absence of treatment, this oral ailment can alter your teeth’ alignment and raise your chance of getting gum disease. Improved oral hygiene practices can alleviate the symptoms of gingival hyperplasia. Severe situations may require surgical intervention.


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Treatment

Braces may cause discomfort, and it is typical for your gums to be a little swollen or uncomfortable during this time. However, if your symptoms persist or increase, they may be a sign of something more serious. Your orthodontist can be an invaluable resource! Consult with them to ensure that the remainder of your orthodontic experience is as painless as possible.

Waterpik

Many people avoid flossing because dental braces and orthodontic appliances make it harder. It can be challenging to clean around dental braces and orthodontic appliances with normal dental floss because floss threaders are time-consuming to operate, and dental floss can easily tear and become stuck.

They are more handy, efficient, and effective than conventional dental floss or threaders. Additionally, we’ve developed various models for adults, adolescents, and children.

Read More: The Proper Way to Floss with Braces

Interdental Brush

Interdental brushes remove food particles and plaque from between teeth to prevent gum disease. Brushes with little bristle heads are designed specifically for cleaning the spaces between your teeth and come in various lengths to meet different gap sizes. They are common in pharmacy and grocery aisles.

Watch what you eat

Maintaining a healthy diet rich in nutrients that support teeth and gums is essential. Moderation is key for simple starches and sugary drinks and snacks, as these foods provide bacteria in the mouth with sustenance. 

Related: A Helpful Guide on How to Eat with Braces

Get in touch with Kumra Orthodontics to learn more about puffy gums with braces

Do not panic if your gums get swollen and sore after receiving braces. This is a common consequence of teeth shifting within the bone to suit the new braces. These are generally transient effects that will resolve within a week with the assistance of your orthodontist or dentist

Consult a trusted orthodontic clinic like Kumra Orthodontics today.