Taking steps to improve your smile and your oral health can be a huge sense of self-accomplishment, so it can be disheartening if, part way through your treatment, you start to notice blood when brushing your teeth. Unfortunately, this can be a bit of a catch-22, as many people wearing braces tend to find they have this issue.
Let’s take a look at why our gums tend to bleed more when wearing braces and what can be done about it.
Bleeding Gums and Wearing Braces
Gingivitis, or the early stages of gum disease, develops when plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up on your teeth, causing red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a more severe type of gum disease, but in most cases, it can be treated by upping your oral hygiene game. However, when braces are attached to the teeth, this can create a breeding ground for bacteria, with lots of spots for them to hide including between the brackets and wires.
What is the Cause?
The cause of bleeding gums whilst wearing braces is due to your teeth being harder to clean, therefore it is easier for bacteria to build up and cause red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Without vigorous brushing and flossing, bacteria can spread, which is what can lead to gingivitis and gum disease, including cavities and discolouration. Being diligent and patient with your oral hygiene is paramount to ensure that bleeding gums and worsening gum health remain at bay.
Other Causes of Bleeding Gums.
It is possible that your bleeding may not be the cause of bacteria build-up, rather, your brace wires are not cut to the proper length and are digging into your gums or cheeks. If this happens, then contact your orthodontist straight away to get them cut further down to relieve the discomfort and bleeding.
It is also possible to have extra sensitive skin inside the mouth which can make bleeding more of a regular occurrence for you. It is important to let your orthodontist know of this, as this could put you at risk of repeated infections.
How to Treat Bleeding Gums Whilst Wearing Braces
Good dental hygiene is the best defence against gum disease and bleeding gums as well as ensuring you pay close attention to your orthodontist when they demonstrate how to properly clean in between your braces. There are other things we here at your specialist orthodontist in Chorley recommend such as staying hydrated to help flush out the bacteria and gently massaging your gums to help improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. In some instances, ice can be used to place against the gum to help reduce swelling, however, it is important not to chew on it as this can break your brackets and wires.
A Dental Hygiene Routine to Keep Bleeding Gums at Bay
- Use an electric toothbrush with a small brushing head and start at the gum line at a 45-degree angle.
- Place the toothbrush on top of the brackets, angling down to brush on top of each bracket.
- Repeat the process at the bottom of the bracket, angling the toothbrush up.
- Use a floss threader to get all food debris from in between the brackets and wires.
- Consider using a water irrigator to get into tight spaces.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash after brushing and flossing to help remove bacteria from the mouth.
The Importance of Regular Check-Ups
Keeping up with your scheduled orthodontic appointments is really important as dental professionals can spot whether bleeding gums are due to become an issue for you and monitor your oral hygiene, even increasing check-ups if needed. They are also able to provide professional cleanings to ensure that all plaque build-up and bacteria are removed.
How your specialist Orthodontist in Chorley Can Help
If bleeding gums is an issue for you, or you are worried about bleeding gums when you have braces fitted in the future, there is no need to worry, our team here at your reliable orthodontist in Chorley has the expertise and know how to help your through all aspects of your braces treatment.
We are able to assess your situation and recommend the appropriate remedy for you, such as adjusting your braces or providing you with additional guidance on how to keep bleeding gums at bay.
Book your free consultation today with Chorley Orthodontics, your expert orthodontist in Chorley.
