Could retainers make your gums bleed?

Usually not: Retainers are usually designed not to impinge or pinch the gums. Bleeding gums is a sign of gingivitis which is caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria by the gum line. It is possible that the retainer may have pinched the gums causing it to bleed, but only because the gums are not healthy. Healthy gums should not be doing this.

Poorly fitting: A retainer that fits properly will not irritate your gums. Have your orthodontist check the retainer for any areas of impingement on your tissues. Most cases of bleeding gums are the result of bacteria left when cleaning, brushing and flossing, . Have you had your teeth cleaned recently? Are you flossing daily? See your dentist about this. Bleeding gums can lead to serious problems.

Not likely: Retainers typically have no effect on gum tissues; however, gingivitis is the likely cause for bleeding. Wearing braces or any non removable appliance in the mouth often comes with difficulty cleaning effectively, which leads to inflammation and bleeding. Often, within a few weeks of removal of braces and diligent cleaning this issue resolves. See your hygienist asap!