Swollen Gums From Braces

Getting braces can bring on a lot of changes to your mouth and teeth. They can take some getting used to, and sometimes irritation, cuts, and soreness can occur from getting braces. After a few weeks, however, these symptoms should subside, allowing you to feel comfortable in the “new normal” of wearing them. But if you notice swelling of the gums that lasts longer than a few days after treatment, there may be an underlying cause. Here are a few reasons gums may swell after receiving braces:

Often, changes in hormonal levels in the body can result in swollen gums. This includes the hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy and puberty. Because so many who receive braces may be of the age where hormones are shifting, this may be the culprit. The solution is taking extra good care of teeth and gums for the duration of time spent wearing braces.

The wire, brackets, and elastics that make up traditional braces can be hard to clean around. That’s why we give specific instructions for how to properly brush and floss teeth without damaging them. We understand it can be tempting to neglect your daily oral hygiene, including flossing daily and brushing delicately around the brackets, but failing to do so can lead to gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and can lead to redness, irritation, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated, gingivitis can worsen and lead to infection, tooth loss, and bone loss. It’s critical to diligently stay on top of your at-home dental hygiene while wearing braces to maintain healthy gums. If you're having difficulty keeping your teeth clean with braces, consider investing in an electric toothbrush and a water flosser, and consult with our expert team.

Some may experience prolonged swollen gums with braces due to a form of hypertrophy, also known as gingival enlargement. This is when the tissue cells of the gums increase to a level that causes swelling. It’s a hereditary condition that may account for some cases of swollen gums with braces. If your gums feel irritated and enlarged due to the braces, you may have this condition. You’ll need to take great care of your teeth during this period, and treat any discomfort with regular rinses of warm salt water.

As you adjust to life with braces, we want you to call us with any questions or concerns. We are here to help you comfortably achieve a straight smile that is healthy and beautiful.

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