Braces harming gums?

[itsabouttime22]

I've always had good strong gums, no issues. Now that I've had my braces, it seems that in a few areas my gums are redder than before. Today when I was flossing, one area even started bleeding a little- which never happens. I'm wondering if the braces could be to blame for this, or is something else going on? I have always brushed, flossed, and used mouthwash, and have become even more dilligent about this since the braces, so I don't think I'm doing anything. I would love some answers though.

[VA5]

It could be nothing.. there is one area on my gums that will sometimes bleed and i don't think my gums are "bad" or whatever. I'm not surprised if there are some gum sensitivities b/c your teeth are pushing through your gums to move. I think it sounds normal but have your ortho take a look.. not sure if orthos are as qualified as regular dentists to assess gum health though. Get a normal cleaning regularly so that plaque doesn't invade your gumline and you should be fine.

[wearetheborg]

Sometimes there can be gum recession due to teeth movement. In general, when teeth move, bone and gum dont like it.

[VA5]

i wish orthos would be more upfront about these kinds of risks before treatment. i understand they have money to make though.. at the same time. however, i know i would have still proceeded w/the braces.. i just wish i had known.

[wearetheborg]

i wish orthos would be more upfront about these kinds of risks before treatment. i understand they have money to make though.. at the same time. however, i know i would have still proceeded w/the braces.. i just wish i had known.

Me too!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gum recession, bone loss, root absorbtion ...I guess orthos think the general public is too clueless to make an informed decision (which is kinda true); but it is annoying for those of use who ARE competent and willing to do the background research.

[VA5]

The only thing I remember my ortho saying was, try to use a waterpik, you want to take extra care of your gums. I was like, hm okay.

And, I ended up not using a waterpik for a year b/c I thought it was a waste of time. And then I started reading here again and thought, gosh, I think it's really important to use a waterpik, so now i'm using it again. THANKS TO YOU GUYS. Not my ortho!

I'd rather hear all the bad stuff from my ortho, doom and gloom and all! Then I would have done the right stuff from the start. He didn't even tell me to get my teeth cleaned. I know you're supposed to, but for some reason I thought w/braces you couldn't. how silly am i? well i also think that it's my orthos job to remind me, or tell me, b/c i'm sure i'm not the only one who isn't sure i can get my teeth cleaned w/braces.

[TumbleDryLow]

Gum recession, bone loss, root absorbtion ...I guess orthos think the general public is too clueless to make an informed decision (which is kinda true); but it is annoying for those of use who ARE competent and willing to do the background research.

My orthodontist went though all those risks (and more) with me and I actually had to sign off that I was entering into ortho treatment with informed consent on said issues. I assumed all orthos made a point to do this as it seems prudent to do so if for no other reason then to avoid a lawsuit, but I guess not. Wow. I'm sorry you guys had to find this out on your own. That would p*ss me off too.

itsabouttime: I remember my dental hygienist mentioning to me that sometimes gum tissue becomes inflamed in spots not due to gum recession or poor hygiene, but simply as a response to having braces. It's a foreign object in your mouth and the reaction is anger (inflammation, redness) at the invader (braces). I wouldn't assume the worst yet...have your dentist check it out.

[itsabouttime22]

Thanks for the replies- I do notice that most of the redder spots are around teeth that are moving the most, so maybe it is just the braces. I have a cleaning scheduled for mid-September, along with my next adjustment, so I'll find out then.

I don't currently have a waterpik- do you think I should get one?

[Theresa48]

Yes, get a waterpik...they are not that expensive, and sooooo worth it! I have a portable one that I take with me!

Oh, and yeah, I didn't know about any of the problems that could occur with braces until I read this forum. I wish I had known, because now I am just stuck with braces for 2 years...I'm already in, so I guess I'll just suck it up...

[yj207]

My gums look pretty healthy right now but there are periods when they get red here and there and look swollen. So I wouldn't worry and just keep flossing and doing what you're doing.

Also about the risks people are saying their ortho doesn't mention: Before you start your orthodontic treatment you should have signed a consent form, basically covering everything that can go wrong from having braces such as gum recession, root absorption, etc. I think this consent form is also for legal reasons in case you are unhappy and want to sue the ortho or something. So having this consent form you signed understanding the risks puts the ortho off the hook in case you do get something like the risks that are mentioned. At least that is my understanding from it anyway so I would look into your files and read it carefully. If you did not get a consent form I would assume the ortho might have it on file. I know in the US it would be required since suing is very easy to do, we do have lots of lawyers.

[LAJaw]

If your gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily, you probably have gum disease. If you concentrate on meticulously cleaning the area, most of the time it will go away. Make sure when you are brushing that your toothbrush bristles actually go under your gums slightly to really dig all that food and bacteria out.

When I first got braces, I had similar problems as you, but it's gone away completely after paying more attention to my brushing technique and getting a sonicare.

[drrick]

i wish orthos would be more upfront about these kinds of risks before treatment. i understand they have money to make though.. at the same time. however, i know i would have still proceeded w/the braces.. i just wish i had known.

Every doc I know discusses these things or has it in the written informed consent.

[Jewles]

I had to read and sign a form stating the risks, I would be amazed if any ortho failed to have their patients do that!

My gums have really swelled during treatment, they arent red and don't bleed luckily. My gums are taking over my teeth!

[Justiz]

I had gum issues after about 6 months and had the dentist and ortho look at it. It ended up being a reaction to the braces so I ended up having to use my electric toothbrush on that area of my gums for an extra 30 seconds or so to allow blood circulation due to the intense movement in my teeth. After about two weeks it all subsided. Sometimes the metal can cause irritation especially when there's a lot of movement. Good luck!

[50+]

I have had braces for 6 months and visited a new dentist because mine of 12 years no longer takes my insurance. This dentist insisted I had early signs of gum decease and needed a deep cleaning. Mind you, during the 12 years at my old dentist, this NEVER came up. I went for my cleanings every 6 months. Nothing was mentioned at my last cleaning prior to getting my braces either. It was a routine visit. My gums don't bleed when I brush or floss and they only are swollen due to the manipulation of my braces. I have also gotten an "Excellent Oral Hygiene" report at every Ortho appt. and when I visited an oral surgeon for a consult he said I had very healthy teeth. Now tell me, do I need a deep cleaning? what is normally done for a routine cleaning with braces? I'd like your opinion....
Thanks - Really upset!!