Houston, TX
Gum soreness is a common occurrence in patients who have just started wearing braces or got them tightened recently. Generally, it’s normal to experience swollen gums after braces. The swelling goes away as your gums become used to the extra pressure on teeth. However, it is not unusual for kids and adults wearing braces to develop more serious gum problems such as gingivitis.
Gum problems with braces typically arise when patients fail to maintain good oral hygiene. If you are experiencing excessive gum pain, swelling, or bleeding, consider visiting a periodontist.
At University Periodontal Associates, Dr. Dennison and David Dennison, DDS, MS, PhD can check for any signs of gum disease and help preserve your smile.
Here, we discuss why braces make gums sore and susceptible to infection and what you can do about it.
Why Do My Gums Feel Sore After Braces?
There are a number of reasons why your gums might swell while you are wearing braces.
Mostly, it’s because you are not brushing properly. Or maybe you fail to floss daily. No matter what their type, braces create more traps in your mouth for food and other debris to accumulate. This also means more places for bacteria to thrive. Bacteria in your mouth produce acids that cause can gum inflammation.
Apart from poor oral hygiene, the gradual movement of teeth while braces are put on also affects your gum health. Shifting teeth open up small sockets in your gums where bacteria can start growing. This makes you prone to developing periodontal problems that may have lasting consequences.
If it seems like your gums are growisng over your braces or receding from the base of the teeth, it’s a sign you are not taking proper care of your gums.
Don’t let your orthodontic treatment give you periodontal troubles. Get your gums checked by a specialist such as Dr. Dennison and David Dennison, DDS, MS, PhD at University Periodontal Associates.
For more information, call now at (832) 975-0990.