Can Braces Cause Gum Recession?

Braces and Gum Recession: What You Need to Know

Braces are an effective solution for correcting misaligned teeth—but in some cases, they may contribute to gum recession if not managed properly. Orthodontic treatment involves applying pressure to teeth and surrounding bone, which can sometimes cause the gums to recede.

So, can braces cause gum recession—and what can you do to prevent or treat it? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Gum Recession?

First, it’s important to understand what gum recession is in the first place. If you have gums that are receding, which means you have gums pulling away from a tooth or multiple teeth, it’s important to get that looked at. Gum recession can expose the root of teeth, potentially leading to sensitivity, root decay, and unpleasantries like bad breath. Gum grafting also assists in preventing future recession and bone loss.

There are multiple reasons gums may recede, such as:

• Vigorous tooth brushing
• Periodontal disease
• Genetics (gum recession can be hereditary)
• Increased risk due to having orthodontic work at a young age
• Having braces or a retainer 

Can Braces Cause Gum Recession?

Braces work by slowly shifting the teeth into proper alignment using constant, controlled pressure. However, this pressure doesn’t just affect the teeth—it also impacts the supporting bone and gum tissue.

Braces can cause gum recession in certain situations, especially if:

• You have thin or fragile gum tissue

• You brush too aggressively during treatment

• There’s pre-existing inflammation or poor oral hygiene

• Your teeth are moved too quickly through the bone

Orthodontic movement may lead to mild bone loss, which in turn can cause the gums to recede. This is more common in people genetically prone to gum issues.

The good news? Most gum recession during braces is mild and manageable with proper care.

How to Prevent Gum Recession While Wearing Braces

You can reduce your risk of recession with good oral care habits throughout orthodontic treatment:

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush

• Use fluoride toothpaste and floss daily

• Avoid aggressive brushing and hard-bristled brushes

• Visit your dentist and periodontist for regular checkups

• Use an electric toothbrush with pressure sensors, if possible

• Address any signs of gum inflammation early

What to Do If You Notice Gum Recession During Braces

If you see your gums pulling away from your teeth or notice increased sensitivity, don’t ignore it. Early symptoms include:

• Longer-looking teeth

• Tooth sensitivity

• Visible roots

• Redness or swelling around brackets or wires

Visit your dentist or periodontist for an evaluation. Treatment options may include:

• Gum grafting

• Scaling and root planing

• Adjusting your brushing technique

• Ongoing monitoring to ensure it doesn’t worsen

Can Gum Recession from Braces Be Reversed?

Unfortunately, gum tissue doesn’t grow back once it has receded. However, mild cases can be stabilized with proper care, and more advanced cases can often be corrected with procedures like gum grafting.

How Can I Treat Gum Recession?

Most of the time, mild gum recession doesn’t even require treatment. However, you need to carefully monitor your gums and gently brush your teeth. If you do start to notice significant gum recession, there are some options that you can look into. Ask your dentist about the ones that might be most effective for you.

• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups – especially during orthodontic treatment
• Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth
• Gum/gingival grafting
• Scaling and root planing (if severe)

Gum recession can’t be reversed, which means receded gum tissue won’t grow back. However, mild gum recession doesn’t necessarily put your mouth at increased risk of gum disease.

At home, you can do a few things to help prevent gum recession during orthodontic treatment. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and debris from your teeth and along the gum line. Depending on how vigorously you brush, a medium- or hard-bristled brush could damage your gums, root surface, and tooth enamel.

Are you worried about gum recession? Contact our office today for a consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can gums recede while getting braces?

Yes, in some cases, braces can contribute to gum recession due to the pressure they place on teeth and the surrounding bone. This is more likely to occur if you have thin gum tissue, pre-existing gum inflammation, or poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.

What is gum recession?

Gum recession happens when gum tissue pulls back from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, root decay, bad breath, and a higher risk of gum disease. Common causes include overbrushing, periodontal disease, genetics, and orthodontic movement.

How do braces cause gum recession?

Braces move your teeth through bone, and this pressure can also affect the supporting gums. If the gum tissue is thin or the movement is too aggressive, it can lead to bone remodeling and slight loss of gum coverage—especially around the lower front teeth.

How can I treat gum recession?

If gum recession is mild, treatment may not be needed. However, for more noticeable cases, options include:

• Gum grafting

• Scaling and root planing

• Changing your brushing habits

• Regular periodontal monitoring
  Consult your dentist or periodontist to determine the best approach.

How can I prevent gum recession while wearing braces?

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush

• Use fluoride toothpaste and floss daily

• Avoid overbrushing or aggressive scrubbing

• See your dentist or periodontist for regular checkups

• Address gum inflammation early

Is gum recession from braces permanent?

Gum tissue does not naturally grow back once it recedes. However, mild recession can be stabilized with proper care, and surgical procedures like gum grafting can help restore the appearance and function of the gums.

Can braces fix receding gums?

No. Braces are used to align teeth—not to repair gum recession. In fact, untreated gum recession during orthodontic treatment may worsen. Periodontal procedures are necessary to restore receded tissue.

What are the signs of gum recession during orthodontic treatment?

• Teeth appear longer than before

• Sensitivity to hot or cold

• Exposed roots

• Red or swollen gumline

• Gums pulling away from brackets or wires
  If you notice any of these signs, book an exam with your periodontist right away.