Braces can change the look and alignment of a person’s teeth, but did you know that they can also affect the gums? Swollen gums are a fairly common symptom for braces wearers and may be temporary, but sometimes gum swelling is permanent. So, what exactly causes the gums to swell up, and how can it be treated? Read on to learn more.
How Braces Cause Swollen Gums
Right after braces are put on or tightened, the gums may become somewhat sore and irritated. This can lead to swelling, which is a natural response to something changing in the mouth. These symptoms generally go away with a few days, but sometimes swelling becomes chronic. For some patients, the gums aren’t actually swollen and just appear to be due to excess tissue making them look disproportionate to their teeth. For others, gum swelling occurs because they have:
- Gingivitis
- A health condition, like diabetes, that makes gum tissue inflammation more likely
- Gingival hyperplasia, which results in an overgrowth of gum tissue
- Poor oral hygiene
How to Treat Swollen Gums
Since the best way to treat swollen gums will depend on the cause, talk to your dentist about the issue so they can tell you what to do about it. If giving your gums a few days to adjust to the braces doesn’t work, patients can also calm irritated gums by practicing better oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice per day for two minutes and flossing after meals to remove food stuck between the teeth. Many braces wearers use mouthwash and special flossers to help remove plaque and debris from the spaces between the wires and brackets.
If the gums are swollen because of gingival hyperplasia, this will usually subside within a few weeks of having the braces removed. If the issue persists or if a patient naturally has too much gum tissue, they can also speak with their dentist about having it surgically removed.
What You Can Do at Home About Swollen Gums
Beyond practicing better brushing and flossing, there are a few at-home treatments that can help with swollen gums. Patients can try rinsing with warm salt water several times each day to eliminate any bacteria that might be causing irritation. Taking anti-inflammatory medication within the first few days after having braces placed or adjusted can also be beneficial. Braces wearers should also avoid eating tough or hard-to-chew foods when their gums feel tender since this will only exacerbate the issue.
When in doubt, speak with your dentist or orthodontist about gum swelling during your next appointment. With plenty of easy solutions available to combat swollen gums, relief from irritation is just around the corner!
About the Author
If you’re in search of the best dental team in Parsippany, look no further! The friendly, highly qualified team at Rauchberg Dental Group are experts on all things teeth. If you’re a braces wearer experiencing gum swelling, they can also recommend ways to lessen discomfort. With their help, you can finally get your smile back on track. To learn more about how to relieve gum swelling with braces, visit their website or call their office at (973) 718-9887.