When a patient is recommended braces, they are done so with the thought of fixing crooked teeth which can help straighten teeth safely or realigning the jaw. The dentist never intends for the patient to suffer from swollen gums. They usually occur after your first set of braces or after an adjustment. Thankfully there are ways to treat those swollen gums with braces. Allow me to share the three ways to help you get that much-needed relief.
Overthrow the Plaque
One main cause for the swollen gums with braces is the fact that it is difficult to clean your teeth. The braces tend to crowd your teeth’s surface. This not only leads to a thick build-up of plaque which can cause tooth decay but it also causes those painful swollen gums. Try using a soft toothbrush and a water flosser to get those hard-to-reach places. Lastly follow-up with a fluoride mouthwash and if it irritates your gums, try for warm salt water instead.
Ward Off Irritants
Your gums are already irritated enough due to the braces so there are a few things you may want to avoid to keep matters from getting worse. Our teeth are used for chewing our foods so you would want to stand clear of hard crunchy foods. Some of our bad habits can also make matters worse so it may be time to kick that nail-biting or pen chewing to prevent further aggravation. It may also be time to quit smoking or chewing tobacco because they can lead to gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Keep The Pain in Check
Lastly, it is time to get the pain relief you are also seeking. Of course, there are over-the-counter and topical medications that can be taken but there are alternates if you don’t like to be medicated. Applying a cold compress outside of your mouth can help the swelling go down and drinking a nice, tall glass of ice water can ease the pain. If the pain persists, don’t hesitate to consult your orthodontist.
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