A 31-year-old member asked:
my braces are making my gums bleed. is this normal?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jonathan Engel answered
Dentistry 39 years experience
Yes and no: Braces are just another irritant and barrier to health. Having said that, it is your responsibility to take care of your gums even with braces.
There are some occaions where you ight have a period of no choice depending on how your teeth are and where the brakets are. Talk to your dentist to see if this can be resolved simply.
5220 views

Dr. S. jay Bowman answered
Orthodontics 36 years experience
No: The accumulation of food debris and plaque bacteria around your braces are causing gum tissue inflammation or gingivitis. This bleeding gum tissue requires special added attention to detail and time for better oral hygiene on your part.
5206 views

Dr. Brian Hoffman answered
Dentistry 14 years experience
Increased Home Care : Bleeding gums are never normal, at times they are more common than we would like. Braces are one of those times. Braces create many additional "nooks-and-crannies" around teeth, the additional areas require a more detailed cleaning, and more attention overall. Imagine, after 1.5 years of braces, you have them taken off and find you have white squares in the middle of your teeth! brush & floss!
5206 views
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Similar questions
A 44-year-old member asked:
How come my gums bleed with braces?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Theodore Ritota answered
Dentistry 9 years experience
Hygiene: Braces tend to accumulate more plaque and bacteria than your teeth alone, so you hygiene needs to be better than ever.
5698 views
A 48-year-old member asked:
Why is it my bottom braces are so low that it makes my gums bleed?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Arnold Malerman answered
Orthodontics 53 years experience
Cleaning: Bleeding gums are a sign that your gums are infected. This is usually due to compromise oral hygiene not braces position. Run, don't walk, to your dentist for a professional cleaning. Then go to you orthodontist for specific cleaning instructions to prevent further damage.
4699 views
A 49-year-old member asked:
Braces are scraping up against my gums and now my gums are swollen, red and bleeding. What can I do?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ronald Krauser answered
Rheumatology 52 years experience
See details: You can speak with your orthodontist. Adjustments may be necessary.
4669 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Sep 24, 2013
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