How to Stop Gum Swelling Associated With Orthodontic Braces
Braces, or orthodontia appliances, are used to straighten crooked teeth and place them in better alignment in your jaw. Overcrowded or misaligned teeth can lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease, and future loss of teeth. Teeth that are crowded are difficult to clean and this can lead to decay and gum disease. Braces for the teeth can correct all of these conditions. When you have braces, it may be difficult to keep your gums from swelling because of the metal brackets and wires on your teeth. It is important to have good dental hygiene during your orthodontic treatment to avoid gum swelling.
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Things You'll Need
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Floss threader
- Water sprayer
- Mouthwash
- Water
- Salt
- Dental cleaning
- Dental checkup
- Vitamin C
- Invisible/removable braces
Instructions
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The Process
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1
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily while you have your braces. Brushing your teeth removes food and plaque from your teeth and gums. Plaque can lead to swollen gums. While you have braces it is a good idea to brush each time you eat as this not only keeps gums healthy, it removes unsightly food stuck on your braces.
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2
Floss your teeth at least once a day to massage and clean your gums, preferably at bedtime. Flossing your teeth while you have metal brackets and wires can be time consuming, but it is very important for healthy gums. To make it easier to floss between all of your teeth, use a floss threader.
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3
Use a water sprayer to clean all around your teeth. This helps remove food particles that have gotten stuck in hard-to-reach places.
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4
Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash once per day to clean and strengthen teeth and gums. Or, make a homemade mouthwash with warm water and a small amount of salt to clean your gums.
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5
Get your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist at least twice per year. Have a regular dental check up and x-rays twice a year as well.
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Do not eat sticky candy or gum that can get caught in between your braces, making it difficult to floss. Take vitamins such as vitamin C to promote healthy gum tissue. Stop smoking, as smoking can destroy gum tissue and cause swollen gums.
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7
Choose invisible braces, instead of metal brackets and wires, to stop gum swelling. Invisible braces are clear removable appliances that the patient can put in their mouth and remove when needed. The benefit of this type of orthodontic treatment is that the appliance can be taken out of the mouth for easier brushing and flossing.
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