What to Do If You Develop Gum Disease While Wearing Braces

Braces help straighten teeth, but they also create spaces where plaque and bacteria thrive. If your gums feel swollen, bleed when you brush, or look redder than usual, gum disease could be developing. This can be frustrating, especially when you're investing in a healthier smile.  

The good news? You don’t have to choose between braces and gum health. With the right gum disease treatment and proper care, you can keep your orthodontic progress on track while protecting your gums.

Can You Have Braces and Gum Disease at the Same Time?

Many people assume that getting braces automatically leads to gum disease, but that’s a misconception. Plaque buildup—the main culprit behind gum disease—can occur with or without braces. However, metal brackets and wires create more surfaces for plaque to accumulate, making oral hygiene more challenging.  

Bacteria collecting along the gumline can cause inflammation, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If symptoms appear, taking action quickly is essential to prevent the disease from progressing and damaging the structures that support your teeth.  

Gum disease with braces isn’t ideal, but it’s manageable. The sooner you address it, the less it will impact your orthodontic treatment.

Signs of Gum Disease with Braces

Gum disease isn’t always obvious at first, especially when your gums are adjusting to the added pressure of braces. However, ignoring early warning signs can lead to more serious problems that may impact your orthodontic treatment. Be on the lookout for:

• Red, swollen gums – Inflammation is often one of the first signs of gum disease.

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing – If your gums bleed easily, it could indicate gingivitis.

• Bad breath that won’t go away – Persistent bad breath is often caused by bacteria buildup along the gumline.

• Gum recession – If your teeth appear longer than before, it may be due to receding gums.

• Loose teeth – Advanced gum disease weakens the structures supporting your teeth.

If you recognize any of these symptoms, the next step is determining which gum disease treatment is right for you.

Gum Disease Treatment Options While Wearing Braces

If better oral hygiene isn’t enough to control gum disease, professional treatment is the next step. The right approach depends on how advanced the condition is.

Regular Cleanings for Early-Stage Gingivitis

If gum disease is caught early and no damage has occurred, one to two regular cleanings may be enough to restore gum health. Your dentist will also provide personalized instructions on improving your daily oral care routine and recommend scheduling regular professional cleanings.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

For more advanced gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure is done one section of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  

Plaque, tartar, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling), and rough areas on root surfaces are smoothed out (planing). This process helps the gums heal and reduces pocket depth.

To support healing and prevent infection, your dentist may also recommend medicated mouth rinses, prescription medications, or an electric toothbrush to enhance your home care routine.

Periodontal Surgery

If gum pockets remain deep after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be necessary to reduce pocket depth, making it easier to clean around the teeth. In some cases, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in gum health and supporting bone structure, for further care.

These treatments help manage gum disease while allowing you to continue orthodontic care. Your dentist and orthodontist will work together to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout treatment.

How to Prevent Gum Disease While Wearing Braces

Keeping your gums healthy while wearing braces requires extra effort, but it’s completely doable with the right habits. Since brackets and wires create more places for plaque to accumulate, you need a thorough and consistent oral hygiene routine to prevent gum disease.

Here’s how to keep your gums in top shape during orthodontic treatment:

• Brush After Every Meal – Food particles can easily get trapped in brackets and wires, leading to plaque buildup. Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush and angle it at 45 degrees to clean along the gumline effectively. Orthodontic toothbrushes or brushes with V-shaped bristles are especially helpful.

• Floss Daily (yes, even with braces). Flossing removes plaque between teeth and along the gumline where a toothbrush can't reach. Floss threaders, interdental brushes, and water flossers make flossing with braces easier. Water flossers, in particular, are great for blasting away food particles.

• Rinse with an Antimicrobial Mouthwash – A fluoride or antiseptic mouth rinse helps reduce bacteria that cause gum disease. Look for a formula designed for gum health.

• Stick to Braces-Friendly Foods – Sugary and starchy foods contribute to plaque buildup. Avoid sticky, chewy candies, chips, and soda, making cleaning more difficult. Instead, eat crunchy vegetables, dairy products, and lean proteins that support gum health.

• Schedule Regular Dental Visits – Professional cleanings every three to four months help remove plaque that daily brushing and flossing might miss. Your dentist can also monitor your gums for any early signs of inflammation.
  

By making these habits part of your routine, you can keep your gums strong and healthy while achieving a straighter smile.

Can Gum Disease Delay Orthodontic Treatment?

If gum disease is mild and treated promptly, it won’t significantly impact your orthodontic timeline. However, advanced periodontitis can weaken the bone that holds teeth in place, making it unsafe to continue orthodontic adjustments.  

In severe cases, braces may need to be temporarily removed to focus on gum health first. This is why early detection matters. The sooner you address gum disease, the less likely it is to interfere with your treatment.

Do You Need Gum Disease Treatment?

Braces are meant to improve your smile—not cause gum problems. If your gums are swollen, bleeding, or tender, it’s important to address the issue before it impacts your orthodontic treatment.  

At TLC Dental, we offer expert gum disease treatment designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the straightening process. Our team takes a personalized approach, ensuring you get the care you need in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

With state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to patient-focused care, we make it easier to protect your oral health while wearing braces. Whether you need a professional cleaning or advanced periodontal treatment, we’ll help you stay on track.  

Contact TLC Dental today to schedule an appointment and experience the difference of compassionate, high-quality dental care.