Why is my gum growing over my braces

Gum tissue can grow over braces when plaque, trapped food, or orthodontic irritation causes gingival inflammation and swelling.

Brackets and wires create surfaces around which plaque can collect, especially at the gumline. Inflamed gingiva may become red, tender, and enlarged, and a tooth can look partly covered even though the gum has not truly moved over its root.

Use a soft toothbrush, an orthodontic brush or interdental cleaner, and careful cleaning around every bracket and under the wire. Do not cut the tissue or adjust the appliance yourself; the orthodontic team may remove irritants, improve hygiene guidance, or coordinate gum treatment.

Arrange review if the swelling bleeds easily, hurts, produces pus, blocks a tooth, persists despite improved cleaning, or comes with fever. Sudden facial swelling or trouble swallowing is urgent.

Ask whether this is gingival enlargement, an erupting tooth, an appliance injury, or another lesion, and whether the wire or bracket needs adjustment.