Braces work well to straighten your teeth for that excellent smile, but they can sometimes cause problems in the gum area. Among the most common problems are swollen gums, or, in other words, periodontal disease. Let us find out why it occurs, what it means for your health, and how to manage this problem.
Causes of Swollen Gums with Braces
- Teeth Moving and Pressure: This is basically what braces do: they push on your teeth to get them into position. The same pressure is going to affect your gums, too. Your gums can become swollen when your teeth move around and push on them.
- Gum Disease (Gingivitis): Braces can make cleaning your teeth thoroughly a bit more challenging. If food bits or plaque develop around the braces, then this may lead to a particular gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis makes your gums red, swollen, and sometimes sore.
- Pregnancy Gingivitis: If you are wearing braces and become pregnant, you can easily succumb to pregnancy gingivitis. This occurs because the pregnancy hormones raise the sensitivity and tendency of your gums to swell.
- Gingival Hyperplasia: At times, there may be an overgrowth of tissue around your braces. This makes your gum appear swollen and is pretty uncomfortable as well. This condition is referred to as gingival enlargement.
Effects of Swollen Gums
- Discomfort and Pain: Swollen gums are painful. One might experience persistent discomfort or sensitivity in the mouth, making it difficult to eat and clean the teeth.
- Impact on Oral Health: Negligence towards swollen gums can lead to further serious problems. You may develop infections, or your gums may recede from the teeth and add to other dental-related issues.
Treatment and Home Remedies
- Good Oral Hygiene: It is the best swelling reduction technique. Make sure you brush after every meal and wash your teeth and braces well to remove all food particles and plaque that may be stuck. Always use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush so you do not irritate your gums.
- Special Oral Care Practices with Braces: Try using either an interdental toothbrush or floss threaders to clean around your braces. It will get rid of plaque that a regular toothbrush may not be able to do.
- Salt Water Rinse: Swelling can be minimized, and your gums can be soothed by just rinsing with salt water. Just mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth several times per day.
- Over-the-counter Medications: You can use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These will help reduce pain and swelling. Always follow the instructions on the label, and if any doubt persists, consult a dentist.
Prevention Strategies
- Oral Hygiene: Maintaining the cleanliness of the mouth is the most important step towards preventing swollen gums. Regular brushing and flossing will keep your gums healthy.
- Avoid Irritating Foods: Avoid these foods as much as possible, as they may further irritate swollen gums. Avoid hard, sticky, and sugary foods that aggravate the condition more. Try eating only softer foods, avoiding sticky ones that may possibly get stuck in the braces.
- Regular Consultations with the Orthodontist: Attend your regular visits to your Calgary dentist to get yourself checked. Your orthodontist can tighten your braces if necessary and be able to note any problems with your gums. Regular visits help to find issues early and keep treatment on track.
However, if your gums are too swollen or the pain is really bad, consider visiting your dentist or orthodontist. They have special treatments that can be applied, or they can give you some extra care recommendations to help with the swelling.
Contact Inglewood Family Dental for Dental Emergencies
If you experience a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact our local dental practice immediately. Our team is ready to assist you with urgent dental issues such as a chipped or cracked tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or any other dental emergency. We offer prompt and professional care to alleviate your discomfort and address your needs efficiently.
Contact our professional emergency dentist in Calgary at Inglewood Family Dental if any signs and symptoms concern you or are at a severe level.
