Healthy gums rarely bleed, regardless of orthodontic treatment - so it's vitally important that before braces go on, your orthodontist does a thorough check of your oral health. If your gums or teeth need a little prep before treatment, this could mean preventive gum work, scaling, or root planing to bring everything up to standard.
We've put this guide together for anyone worried about their dental health ahead of braces treatment - covering why gums sometimes bleed and what to do about it.
Possible Causes of Bleeding Gums During Braces
Many of these causes apply to both brace wearers and non-wearers:
- **Improper oral hygiene** - poor brushing and flossing lets plaque and bacteria build up around your braces, causing inflammation and bleeding.
- **Tartar build-up** - if a regular hygiene routine slips, tartar and bacteria build up between teeth, leading to inflammation.
- **Gingivitis** - poor hygiene can progress to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease characterised by swollen, bleeding gums.
- **Hormonal changes** - during adolescence and later in life, hormonal shifts can trigger inflammation around the gums.
- **Brace adjustments** - after a tightening or adjustment appointment it's normal for gums to feel sensitive and bleed for a short time.
How to Maintain Oral Hygiene and Prevent Bleeding Gums
A great hygiene routine takes most of the worry out of bleeding gums. Here's our quick-start list:
- **Brushing** - soft-bristle toothbrush, gentle but thorough, covering teeth and around brackets and wires.
- **Flossing** - challenging but worth the effort. Floss threaders or interdental brushes help you clean between brackets and wires.
- **Mouthwash** - an antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash reduces bacteria and supports gum health.
- **After meals and snacks** - brush or floss to clear debris before it sticks.
- **Orthodontic wax** - if a wire or bracket is irritating, wax creates a barrier and prevents further irritation.
- **Regular check-ups** - routine dental and orthodontic appointments catch issues early.
- **Gentle gum massage** - a soft toothbrush or finger can stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation.
- **Adapt your diet** - avoid sticky, hard or overly crunchy foods.
- **Stay hydrated** - water flushes bacteria and supports saliva production.
What to Do if Your Gums Start Bleeding During Treatment
First, contact your orthodontist for a proper look at your teeth, gums and braces. It could be something simple like a wire poking the gum, or a loose bracket - but without a proper inspection it's hard to rule out anything more serious.
If the bleeding is hygiene-related, a more frequent professional clean (every 3 to 4 weeks) can usually settle it.
More Serious Cases
Rarely, ongoing bleeding means treatment has to pause. Severe gum inflammation and high bacterial levels can require specific dental treatment to prevent gum recession and bone loss; once things have stabilised, treatment resumes.
In adolescents, gum tissue sometimes grows around the brackets, which can prevent the correct placement of wires and elastics. Appliances may be removed temporarily to allow the gum to be addressed, then treatment continues.
Speak to a Specialist Orthodontist in Sandbach
Our team at Cheshire Orthodontics offers a wide range of modern orthodontic treatments and we have an extensive background in fitting and maintaining braces - making sure our patients gain not only a great smile but also strong oral health along the way.
For advice or to book an appointment, contact a Specialist Orthodontist in Sandbach today.