If you’ve recently gotten braces as an adult, you might have found that having swollen or inflamed gums is a painful side effect. While having swollen or inflamed gums with braces can be entirely normal, how do you know if your gums will go back to normal after removing your braces? Find out when having swollen gums with braces is a cause for concern and how to treat them.

What Causes Swollen Gums with Braces

Teeth movement. During your orthodontic treatment, you may not be able to see your teeth move, but braces apply a steady, constant pressure that causes changes to occur in your jawbone and gums. As a result, it’s natural for your gums to feel sore, especially after your orthodontist adjusts the braces each month or so. If your swollen gums are related to teeth movement, your gums will likely go back to normal after the braces are removed.

Gum Disease. Braces create tiny spaces around your teeth. This makes it easy for food particles to get trapped in these spaces, resulting in bacteria-filled plaque deposits. If these deposits of food and plaque aren’t regularly removed, you face an increased risk of having gum disease. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It causes the gums to become red and swollen, and they might bleed easily.

Pregnancy Gingivitis. While you most likely won’t seek out orthodontic treatment if you’re pregnant, it’s important to note that some women develop a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. It’s caused by the hormonal changes you’ll experience during pregnancy. If you decide to get braces while pregnant, it’s essential that you talk to your orthodontist about how to prevent pregnancy gingivitis.

Gingival Enlargement. Your swollen gums might actually be gingival enlargement, also known as gingival hyperplasia or hypertrophy. Gingival enlargement is the abnormal overgrowth of gingival tissues. The American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM) notes that while hereditary or medicinal factors usually trigger it, it can also be a response that occurs when plaque accumulates on the teeth, something that can happen more easily while wearing braces.

How to Get Rid of Swollen Gums with Braces

If you notice signs of swollen gums, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist or general dentist so you can get treatment and find out what the best home care approach is. Your orthodontist might recommend gargling with salt water for quick relief and then also ask you to prioritize oral hygiene. Since food particles are very likely to get trapped in your braces, here’s how you can improve your oral hygiene:

• Floss daily and thoroughly. If you’re worried about regular floss catching onto your brackets and tearing, you can try waxed floss or use an orthodontic floss threader.
• Brush for at least two minutes, and don’t stop until you see clear brackets.
• Rinse with water or mouthwash after brushing.

Having braces might cause some discomfort, and it’s normal for your gums to be a little swollen or sore. But if your symptoms are persistent or worsening, it might be a sign of something more. Your orthodontist can be a great resource for you! Consult with them so you can complete the rest of your orthodontic journey with as little pain as possible.