How to make gums less swollen with braces

Brackets and wires create extra edges where plaque can collect at the gumline. Swelling may reflect plaque-induced gingivitis, irritation from an appliance, food impaction, or less commonly an infection around a tooth. Brush twice daily with a soft brush, angle the bristles toward the gumline and bracket edges, and clean under the wire with an interdental brush. Rinse after meals, follow your orthodontist’s cleaning instructions, and do not cut or bend the wire yourself.

Brush twice daily with a soft brush, angle the bristles toward the gumline and bracket edges, and clean under the wire with an interdental brush. Rinse after meals, follow your orthodontist’s cleaning instructions, and do not cut or bend the wire yourself. Can plaque cause swollen gums during orthodontic treatment? Yes. Plaque irritates the gingival margin, and brackets can make that margin harder to reach without an interdental brush.

Arrange prompt care if swelling is localized with pus, severe pain, fever, facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing. Contact the orthodontic team if a bracket or wire is cutting the gum, or if swelling continues despite careful cleaning. Should I stop brushing swollen gums? No. Use light pressure and a soft brush, because stopping allows more plaque to remain at the inflamed edge.

Can plaque cause swollen gums during orthodontic treatment? Yes. Plaque irritates the gingival margin, and brackets can make that margin harder to reach without an interdental brush. Should I stop brushing swollen gums? No. Use light pressure and a soft brush, because stopping allows more plaque to remain at the inflamed edge.