Oral Health
6 min read • By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Puffy, tender gums are one of the most common things patients notice a few weeks into braces, and the good news is they're almost always fixable. Most of the time it's a hygiene issue, not a sign of anything serious. But because swollen gums can occasionally point to something that needs attention, let me walk through what causes it, how to calm it down, and how to keep it from coming back.
What causes swollen gums with braces?
| Cause | What's happening |
|---|---|
| Plaque buildup (most common) | Brackets trap plaque, which inflames the gum line (early gingivitis) |
| Trapped food | Bits left along the gums keep them irritated |
| Gum overgrowth | In some people gums enlarge and creep over the brackets |
| Mouth breathing or hormones | Dry mouth and hormonal shifts can worsen inflammation |
The thread running through almost all of these is plaque. Braces simply give it more nooks to hide in, so the same brushing routine that worked before treatment often isn't enough now.
How to fix swollen gums
- Step up your brushing. Brush after every meal, angling the bristles at the gum line and around each bracket.
- Floss daily with a floss threader or orthodontic floss, and add an interdental brush for the tight spots.
- Use a water flosser. It flushes out what a brush misses along the gums.
- Rinse with warm salt water once or twice a day to soothe inflamed tissue, or an antimicrobial rinse if your dentist suggests one.
- Get a professional cleaning. A hygienist can remove hardened plaque you can't. See our guide to cleanings with braces.
Preventing it in the first place
Prevention is just consistency. Brush after meals, floss once a day without fail, keep up your regular dental cleanings (many braces patients do best every three to four months), and use a fluoride toothpaste or rinse to keep the gum line healthy. Staying hydrated helps too, especially if you tend to breathe through your mouth. Do these and swollen gums rarely get a foothold.
When to see your dentist or orthodontist
Mild puffiness that improves with better cleaning isn't a concern. But make an appointment if your gums stay swollen for more than a couple of weeks despite good hygiene, bleed easily, feel painful, produce pus, or overgrow the brackets. Those can signal gingivitis progressing toward gum disease, which is very treatable when caught early. We'd much rather take a quick look than have it linger.
Gums bothering you during treatment?
We'll check them and get you comfortable. Call or book a visit.
Frequently asked questions
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Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers' Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers' Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
