Getting braces is a monumental step towards a straighter smile, but it can come with some unwanted side effects. One of the most common complaints is swollen gums. This happens because the braces apply pressure to your teeth, which in turn inflames the surrounding gum tissue.
While swollen gums are usually temporary, they can be sore. Here are a few tricks to help manage swollen gums while you're wearing braces:
- Implement excellent oral hygiene by brushing your teeth gently twice a day and flossing daily.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid exacerbating your gums.
- Rinse with salt water several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.
If you experience severe swelling, pain, or bleeding, it's crucial to see your orthodontist. They can provide solutions to address the issue and keep your smile healthy.
Addressing Swollen Gums During Orthodontic Treatment
Swollen gingiva are a common side effect during orthodontic treatment. They usually arise as a result of the brackets and wires putting pressure on your oral cavity. This irritation can cause swelling, tenderness, and even blood spots.
Here are some strategies to help deal with swollen gums during orthodontic treatment:
* **Practice good oral hygiene.** Brush your teeth gently every four hours with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride dental gel.
* **Floss daily.** This cleanses food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
* **Use a mouthwash.** An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce inflammation.
* **Avoid hard, sticky foods.** These snacks can aggravate your teeth. Opt for soft foods that are gentle on your teeth.
* **Apply a cold compress.** A cold compress can help ease pain.
If your swollen gums are severe, or if you experience bleeding that doesn't subside, see your read more orthodontist as soon as possible.
How to Manage Infected Gums While Wearing Braces
Wearing braces can sometimes lead to inflamed gums. This is a common side effect, but there are things you can do to manage it and keep your mouth feeling pleasant.
First, practice good oral hygiene thoroughly. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to massage along the gum line and between your braces.
You should also floss daily. Use dental floss to reach around your brackets and wires.
If you're experiencing pain or discomfort, use an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed by a doctor or dentist.
You can also apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time to help reduce tenderness.
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as these can irritate your gums. Consume ample amounts of water throughout the day.
If your gums are still red after a week or two, make an appointment. They can assess the situation and provide recommendations if necessary.
Braces and Gum Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
While braces are an effective treatment for dental/teeth misalignment, they can sometimes contribute to gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis. This occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up around the brackets and wires of your braces. Forgetting proper oral hygiene allows plaque to accumulate, irritating the gums and leading to inflammation. Symptoms of gum inflammation include redness, swelling, tenderness, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and a bad taste in your mouth. Fortunately/Thankfully, there are several solutions to prevent and treat braces-related gingivitis.
- Practice/Maintain meticulous oral hygiene by brushing/cleaning your teeth twice/thrice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss/Clean between daily to remove plaque and food particles from around the brackets and wires.
- Attend periodic dental appointments for professional cleaning and to monitor your gum health.
Consider consulting your orthodontist the use of an antibacterial mouthwash or specific toothbrush/cleaning tools designed for braces wearers.
Getting Braces making Swollen Gums?
It's common to experience some swelling in your gums after getting braces. This is a normal reaction as your teeth begin to shift into their new positions. The brackets and wires can provoke the gum tissue, leading to inflammation. Don't worry, this typically subsides within a few weeks as your gums adjust.
To minimize discomfort, practice good oral hygiene by scrubbing gently twice a day and flossing daily. Your orthodontist may also recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash or applying a cold compress to the affected area. If you experience excessive pain or bleeding, be sure to contact your orthodontist for further guidance.
Tips for Preventing and Treating Swollen Gums with Braces
Wearing braces can be a great way to straighten your teeth, but they can also result in swollen gums. This is because braces create new areas where plaque can build up, which aggravates the gums. Luckily, there are several things you can take to prevent and treat this problem. First, maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Be very thorough when cleaning around your braces. You should also avoid sugary foods and drinks, as these can worsen plaque buildup. If your gums are already swollen, rinse with warm salt water several times a day. Drugstore pain relievers can also help to reduce discomfort. If your symptoms don't improve, it's important to see your orthodontist as soon as possible.