Orthodontist Questions Orthodontist

Why is my gum growing over my braces?

I am a 26 year old male. I wear braces and my gums are growing over my braces. Why is my gum growing over my braces?

6 Answers

Certain drugs taken over time or allergic responses to foods or environmental materials will make gums swell but if that is not the case then poor oral hygiene is the cause. You need to consult with a periodontist who specializes in gum problems to resolve the problem that is interfering with your orthodontic treatment and oral health
Most of the time, it's due to build-up. You need to reevaluate your hygiene with your dentist, make sure you're taking all the proper steps to maintain good hygiene. Most of the time, with a specific plan for you, it will resolve.
This is likely due to inflammation. Most often inflammatory response is caused by plaque or food at or below the gum line. Make sure that floss the area and brush well every day. Be sure to point it out to your doctor if it isn’t resolved by your next visit.
Your gums aren't really growing over your braces. When inflammation in your gums start, they swell. You need to be sure you are brushing and flossing very well; this is the main reason they swell. Certain medications can cause the gums to swell. You can use your toothbrush soft bristle or baby bristle and massage your gums. If they bleed, they are infected and you need to brush & floss more, NOT LESS. Also, rinse with warm SALT water and a mouth rinse for gingival swelling.
Hope this helps

William E. Harrell, Jr, DMD, C.DSM
Hello, this is a fairly common issue. There are usually 2 reasons we see this. The first is that there is plaque accumulating between the braces and the gums. This can lead to some gum swelling which then traps more plaque. It is a vicious cycle that then continues to allow for more gum swelling. It takes vigorous cleaning and brushing to help it resolve. I tell my patients that the swelling comes on quickly but takes weeks to resolve, so any skipped brushing can allow more swelling. It takes 3-4 times per day of brushing above and below the braces with flossing and an oral rinse (I like traditional Listerine) foe this to start to clear up. A good cleaning from your dentist will help as well. The second reason we can see this is an allergy or sensitivity to something in the braces. This is much more rare and would be something your dentist or orthodontist would be able to give more guidance on alternative materials to try. I highly recommend you discuss this with your orthodontist and your dentist. Keep the teeth as clean as possible in the meantime! I hope this helps! -John Ballrick
Your dental hygiene is severly lacking. Better brushing, flossing is needed. Get a water pik. I advised all orthodontic patients to have a water pik. See your dental provider this is not normal.