When you are have finished with your orthodontic services, you should make sure that you are wearing your retainer on a daily basis. This is a good way to keep your teeth in the best condition and retain your beautiful smile.
Your retainer might cause your gums to bleed, or they might start bleeding because you have just finished your treatment. Use these tips to learn what to do when you are trying to wear your retainer as prescribed.
Should I Wear My Retainer If My Gums Are Bleeding?
No. You should go back to the dentist or orthodontist to have the retainer adjusted. Your dentist or orthodontist can also help you with your bleeding gums if you have any related issues that might cause your gums to bleed.
Reasons Why Your Gums Are Bleeding
Your gums could be bleeding for a few reasons. Your gums might bleed because the retainer is not adjusted well. This is why it is recommended that you go back to the dentist or orthodontist. You might need to wait a few days before you go back, and that is why you will need to use some home remedies to treat your gums.
You should also consider other things that might cause your gums to bleed. A few reasons for bleeding gums include:
- Overbrushing
- Swelling after removing braces
- Excessive tobacco use
- Bacteria that can stay in your mouth because you have not brushed or cared for your mouth
- An infection
- Hormones that will cause problems when you are pregnant. Your hormones could continue to fluctuate after you give birth, and the process will start all over again if you get pregnant again.
- Hormones changes during menopause.
- Bad eating habits that scratch your gums and include too much sugar or salt
Is Your Retainer Causing Your Gums To Bleed?
Your retainer might cause your gums to bleed because it is not adjusted properly. The retainer might put too much pressure on your teeth, and that will cause your gums to bleed. The retainer might scratch your gums, and the retainer might jiggle in your mouth. When it does this, it might scratch your gums.
Read More: Why Is My Retainer Hurting My Mouth?
Some people will brush with their retainer on, and they might brush their gums too much because it is difficult to reach their teeth. This is why using a retainer only works when you know how to use it properly. If you never take off your retainer, you could injure your gums. At the same time, a retainer makes it difficult for you to do normal things. You cannot brush your teeth properly or eat properly while using these devices.
Because you are not a dental professional, you should speak to your dentist or orthodontist to make sure that you do not have another problem that needs to be addressed.
Home Remedies For Bleeding Gums
When you notice that your gums are bleeding, you need to take action immediately. There are several things that you might like to try to care for your mouth in the interim. You might also want to use these tips when you come home from the dentist. It makes much more sense for you to treat your gums until they are completely healed.
- Saltwater
Many people will start with a basic saltwater rinse. You can pour some warm water and add a bit of salt. You can swish the water in your mouth and spit it out. The saltwater rinse will help your gums heal, and you can do this rinse at least twice a day to prevent bleeding.
- Cranberry Juice
You might also want to drink and swish cranberry juice. Cranberry juice has an acid content that is good for your gums. When you would like to use both rinses, you can drink cranberry juice with your meals. The saltwater rinse can be used in the morning and evening to prevent bleeding.
- Honey
You could use honey to keep your gums healthy. You can get a small amount of honey on your finger, and you can massage the honey into your gums. This might be a good way to massage your gums halfway through the day, or you can do this in the morning or evening. When you layer your treatments, you will feel much better.
Oil pulling is a more recent idea that has yet to prove its consistent effectiveness in treating bleeding gums but there are some studies that support its use. This technique involves swishing an edible oil (think sunflower, coconut, sesame, or olive) in your mouth for 1-20 minutes (depending on your tolerance).
- Tumeric and Vitamins
You can also rinse with turmeric dissolved in water, or you can start using vitamins C and K. These supplements are easy to find, and they can provide you with the relief that you need.
When To Contact Your Dentist About Your Bleeding Gums
You should contact your dentist or orthodontist when you cannot treat your bleeding gums on your own. The first step is to remove your retainer and make sure that it fits well. If the retainer seems like it fits well, you should try these home remedies. You should also consider using these home remedies after you get home from the dentist.
In Conclusion
Do not be afraid of bleeding gums. You can use the home remedies, go to the dentist, and get your retainer fitted properly. You should also review all the protocols you should use with your retainer. You should not brush or eat while wearing your retainer, and you should not try to tighten it yourself. Trust your dentist, call their office for advice, and use these home remedies to minimize bleeding.
