With the ability to straighten and reposition teeth, braces have the superpower of disciplining your smile. The tight metal wire wrapped around your teeth tugs on the roots, making sure to shift them from their crooked positions. But besides transforming your teeth, braces can also affect your gums. So much so that people can end up with swollen and irritated gums.
Although this might seem alarming at first, there isn’t anything to be worried about. More often than not, the root cause of swollen gums with braces is none other than tight wires.
Is It Normal To Have Swollen Gums With Braces?
Believe it or not, swollen gums are a pretty common side effect of braces, especially in the initial days of the procedure. Since your teeth aren’t used to wires and brackets being wrapped around them, the process can cause serious irritation, which further leads to inflamed or swollen gums.
However, that is nothing to worry about. The swelling is merely temporary.
As long as you take good care of your oral hygiene and avoid eating foods that can damage the braces, your gums will automatically go back to normal. On the contrary, if the swelling persists and worsens over time, it may be time to let your orthodontist know.
Causes Of Swollen Gums With Braces
If you have braces, your swollen gums might be the result of one of the following causes:
- Tight Brackets
Getting braces for the first time or having the brackets of your braces tightened can be excruciating. Besides the pain, the metal wire can also rub against your gums, causing irritation and swelling. - Hormonal Imbalance
Most commonly found in teenagers, swollen gums can be a sign of a hormonal shift. Puberty is a stage that can mess with your dental health and lead to inflamed gums. - Hyperplasia
Hyperplasia is a condition that causes overgrowth of the gum tissues. This can make it seems like your gums are swollen or spilling over your teeth. However, with proper care, hyperplasia can be treated and banished. - Lack of Oral Hygiene
Neglecting your oral hygiene is never a good sign. When you fail to brush your teeth and floss your gums, bacteria buildup – paired with the moving teeth, can cause a severe gum reaction. - Eating Hard Foods
Sometimes, eating crunchy or chewy foods can be the reason behind swollen gums, especially if you have braces. This is why orthodontists recommend sticking to a specific diet when dealing with metal braces. - Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that causes inflammation and swelling of the gums. - Underlying Health Condition
Pre-existing conditions like diabetes or obesity are common issues when it comes to dealing with swollen gums and braces.
How Do You Get Rid Of Inflamed Gums With Braces?
In order to reduce the pain and bring down the excessive swelling in your gums, try following the techniques mentioned below:
- Regularly wash your mouth with a saltwater rinse.
- Gently brush your teeth without disturbing the braces.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief medications.
- Use a waxed floss or a water flosser to floss between your gums.
- Schedule a visit with an Orthodontist.
Get Your Braces Adjusted Today!
If you’re tired of your swollen gums and think your braces need adjustment, contact Texas Premier Dental today at (281) 206-0100. You can also visit us at 13203 Fry Rd Ste 500, Cypress, TX 77433, located right next to Texas Children’s Pediatrics.