While the outcome of braces in Jacksonville may be well worth any changes you need to make to accommodate your braces, you may experience some bumps along the way. One common impact of this orthodontic treatment is swollen gums. Sometimes, this effect can be normal, signifying that your teeth are shifting, and other times, it could be the result of an underlying dental health concern. Read on to learn more about what swollen gums mean if you have braces and how to address them.
What Causes Swollen Gums with Braces?
Swollen gums with braces can occur for a number of reasons, ranging from oral hygiene concerns to the natural effects of shifting teeth. If you notice read, inflamed, or sore gums while you’re undergoing treatment, it could be due to:
- Moving Teeth: When your teeth begin to shift, it’s not just the visible portion that moves—it’s also the root structure underneath the gumline. As the entire tooth begins shifting, you may notice that your gums feel sore and look swollen. This is especially the case after your routine check-in with your orthodontist, when they tighten the wires to help your teeth continue shifting.
- Gum Disease: Caused by plaque and tartar accumulation along the gumline, gum disease is an infection of the soft oral tissue. Braces can make it harder to thoroughly clean your teeth, putting some patients at a higher risk of developing the condition during treatment. One of the first signs of the early stages, called gingivitis, is inflammation.
Home Remedies for Swollen Gums with Braces
If your gums are tender after your routine orthodontic appointment, you may be able to help curb your discomfort at home:
- Rinse several times throughout the day with salt water
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
- Avoid eating foods that are excessively sticky, hard, or chewy
- Thoroughly floss between your teeth, brackets, and wires using traditional floss, a water flosser, or floss threader
When to Seek Professional Care
If you’re concerned about swollen gums and you have braces, you should speak with your orthodontist at your routine visits. It’s important to also continue seeing your dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months throughout your treatment. They will be able to tell if your symptoms are related to gingivitis, or gum disease. If more thorough treatment is required, like a deep cleaning, they will also provide you with those services to prevent the disease from progressing.
Maintaining a healthy smile during your treatment is just as important as the treatment results themselves. So long as you stay diligent about visiting your dentist and orthodontist regularly for cleanings and checkups, as well as maintain a good at-home hygiene routine, it’s likely that your swollen gums are a sign that your braces are doing their job!
About the Author
Dr. Holland is a dual-trained expert, completing specialty training in both orthodontics and prosthodontics. He offers different options to straighten smiles, including traditional metal braces and clear aligners, as well as more advanced services like Phase 1 orthodontic treatment for kids and orthognathic surgery. To learn more about braces or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holland, visit Ortega Orthodontics’ website or call 904-388-4600.