Gum disease – also known as periodontal disease – is a common bacterial infection of the gums. Plaque bacteria and tartar build up on the teeth and along and below the gum line. This causes inflammation and can eventually erode the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth.i According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in two American adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. It’s generally caused by poor oral hygiene and can even lead to tooth loss if left untreated.i Gum problems can be identified by changes to the appearance of the teeth and gums, as well as less visible signs such as bad breath, pain or soreness, and a foul taste in the mouth.

What Does Gum Disease Look Like?

One of the most obvious warning sign of gum disease is noticing any blood when you brush your teeth. You should also look out for any changes to the appearance of your smile. Healthy gums are light pink in color and feel firm to the touch, while those affected by gum disease will change to a darker pink, red, or even purple color as the infection develops - and receding gums can cause teeth to look longer. You might also notice new gaps appearing in your smile or a gap between the tooth and gum. Your teeth and gums may also begin to feel looser. When gums recede or pull away from your teeth, gaps – or ‘pockets’ - may form. If left untreated, bacteria can collect in these pockets, which can lead to the formation of gum abscesses.

How Do You Get Gum Disease?

In most cases, gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene – not brushing and flossing regularly or thoroughly enough. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria, which forms on the teeth and is removed by brushing and flossing. If plaque is allowed to build up, it forms a harder substance along and below the gum line called tartar, which can't be removed by brushing or flossing alone.ii The bacteria in plaque can cause an infection, which can progress over time if left untreated,eventually leading to gum inflammation and ultimately eroding the tissue and bones (periodontium) that support the teeth.ii Besides poor oral hygiene, a number of other factors can put you at higher risk for the development of gum disease. These can include:ii> Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy and menopause Illnesses that cause a decrease in your body’s immunity, such as cancer or HIV Smoking or chewing tobacco Certain medications that cause a dry mouth Genetics Conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease Poor nutrition, particularly a deficiency in Vitamin C

Swollen Gums with Braces: Causes and Treatments

Dental braces move and adjust teeth over time, treating crooked teeth or jaw misalignment.¹ Orthodontic treatment like braces can lead to better oral health—correcting an abnormal bite could prevent oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, abnormal enamel wear, and jaw problems.¹ While braces can help keep your mouth healthier, they can also cause temporary discomfort.² Gum swelling with braces can be common, but it can also sometimes be a sign of a condition that requires further treatment, like gingivitis.² If you experience swollen gums with braces, keep reading to find out what causes gum swelling and how to treat it.

Swollen Gums Causes

As your teeth slowly move, you may experience inflammation around your teeth. Constant, steady pressure from your braces causes your teeth to move and realign.² When you get braces for the first time, you’ll likely experience some gum swelling or even pain.^1,2 You may also experience soreness or swelling after your braces are adjusted.^1,2 Regularly brushing and flossing can help reduce discomfort caused by sore gums.²

Gingivitis

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can causes swollen and tender gums.³ Poor dental care and crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean can put you at a higher risk of developing gingivitis.³ As your braces move your teeth, small spaces temporarily open up. Food and plaque become trapped in these spaces, causing bacteria to grow and inducing inflammation.³ Gum disease that progresses beyond gingivitis can eventually lead to the deterioration of bone tissue around your teeth, causing irreversible damage.⁴ Maintain good oral hygiene while you have braces by brushing and flossing regularly.⁴ Consult your dentist if you experience gingivitis-related gum swelling with your braces. Swollen gums caused by gingivitis need to be treated properly to avoid further damage.⁴

How to Get Rid of Swollen Gums with Braces

Although some swelling and discomfort can be normal when you have braces, there are steps you can take to treat swollen gums and ease your discomfort. Contact your dental professional about which treatment is right for you.

Swollen Gums Treatment

Depending on the cause of your swollen gums, you may need treatment from your dentist.² If you experience swollen gums with braces, consult your dentist or orthodontist immediately. For swollen gums caused by gingivitis, good at-home dental hygiene can be supplemented with regular cleanings at your dentist.³ If your swollen gums feel very painful or appear to be growing over your teeth, you need more serious treatment and should contact your dental professional immediately.⁵

Home Remedies for Swollen Gums

If your gums feel painful or swollen when you have braces, consult your dental professional for advice. You can ease your symptoms at home with these simple remedies.^1,2

Rinse several times daily with warm salt water.
Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain.
Avoid eating hard foods, foods that are difficult to chew, and foods that can easily be trapped in your braces.
Floss between your teeth often with unwaxed floss to reduce inflammation.

When to See a Dentist for Swollen Gums

When you first get your braces, you may have sore gums for up to a week. You may also feel discomfort for about one to three days each time your braces are tightened. If your gums are swollen, you should consult your dentist or orthodontist. If your gums bleed from your braces cutting into them, tell your dentist as they may be able to adjust them.

How to Care for Your Gums While Wearing Braces

When you have braces, you may not be able to avoid some gum swelling, but good dental habits reduce your chances of severe swelling and more serious issues like gingivitis or gum disease.^2,3 To care for your gums, follow these maintenance tips.²

Use toothpaste with active ingredients such as fluoride or tartar control agents to help remove plaque and prevent gingivitis.
Brush your teeth with a toothbrush with a soft brush head. Your dental professional may recommend a specialized toothbrush like interdental brushes.
Try a fluoride or antiplaque mouthwash like the parodontax Active Gum Health Mint Mouthwash.
Floss every day using an orthodontic floss threader to clean under the braces, between your teeth, and under your gumline.

While gum swelling with braces can be normal, swelling and discomfort that persists for a long period of time may indicate a more significant problem. When in doubt, talk to your dentist or orthodontist about any discomfort or gum swelling you experience with braces. To learn about maintaining healthy gums, explore more articles from parodontax.

Source Citations:

Braces. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces. Accessed 6/6/2022.
Living with my brace. https://www.dentalhealth.org/living-with-my-brace. Accessed 6/6/2022.
Gingivitis. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gingivitis. Accessed 6/6/2022.
Caring for my teeth and gums. https://www.dentalhealth.org/caring-for-my-teeth. Accessed 6/6/2022.
Gingival Enlargement. https://www.aaom.com/index. Accessed 6/6/2022.

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Swollen Gums with Braces: Causes and Treatments