Gum inflammation during orthodontic treatment: cause and effect.

Swollen gums can be caused by an accumulation of plaque resulting in gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Throughout your treatment, your orthodontist will perform routine checks on your gums to look for any signs or symptoms of plaque buildup or mild gum disease. You may require further instructions on brushing and flossing from your orthodontist. Here are some of the causes and effects of gum inflammation : 

• Teeth movement: You are not able to see your teeth move during your treatment however braces put a constant and steady pressure that tends to cause changes to occur in your gums and jawbone. It is normal for your gums to feel sore, especially after your orthodontist adjusts the braces every month or so. This is because your orthodontist is making adjustments to the braces. If the swollen gums have been caused by teeth movement, then they will go back to normal after the removal of braces. 
• Gum disease: Since braces create small spaces around your teeth, food particles are likely to get stuck in these spaces which leads to bacteria-filled plaque deposits. If these bacteria-filled plaque deposits are not removed regularly it increases the risk of having gum diseases. 
• Gingival enlargement: The swollen gums during your orthodontic treatment  can be gingival enlargement also called gingival hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Gingival enlargement is the abnormal growth of gingival tissue, which can be induced by hereditary and medical causes or can be a response to plaque buildup on your teeth. Gingival enlargement can occur as a result of plaque accumulation on your teeth. 

Prevention of gum inflammation during the treatment 

If you notice any sign of swollen or painful gums growing over braces then you may have to consult with your orthodontist for advice. You will be able to get the treatment and can also ease the symptoms through home care. Your dental professional may recommend prioritizing your dental hygiene and gargling with salt water for quick and easy relief. There is also a home remedy for swollen gums with braces tips that you may want to consider such as: 

• Rinse or gargle your mouth regularly multiple times with warm salt water. 
• If the swollen gums are feeling extremely painful you can take over-the-counter and anti-medication medication to reduce pain and swelling. 
• Avoid eating chewy or hard foods that are hard to eat and chew as they can get trapped in your braces easily. 
• Floss between your teeth regularly and thoroughly with waxed floss or an orthodontic floss threader to reduce inflammation. 
• You should brush your teeth at least twice a day using a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that contains fluoride.

If the condition has become chronic or is getting worse, you should receive aid from a specialist as soon as possible so that you can finish the balance of your treatment process with as little discomfort as possible. Feel free to contact DaveJohnson Dental Lab if you have any questions, our team of experienced and trained dental experts will be there to assist you.