Can Braces Cause Gum Recession?
Posted on March 20, 2025
Orthodontic treatments like braces are a highly effective option for correcting misaligned teeth and improving your overall dental health. However, in some cases, especially where patients are already facing some level of gum disease, braces can contribute to gum recession, which is an oral condition that occurs when the gum tissue that secures and protects the tooth moves backward. After your course with braces is complete, it's always recommended by doctors in the dental field and periodontists to address gum recession with at-home methods, gum disease treatments like scaling and root planing, or more advanced periodontal treatments like gum grafting when necessary. Prioritizing high-quality periodontal care will help you preserve the teeth you're invested in with your orthodontic treatments. To learn more about how to address gum recession after or during braces, visit The Perio Centre and book a consultation with Dr. Adam Ohayon, our trusted periodontist serving Whitby, Oshawa, and the surrounding areas.
The Link Between Braces and Gum Recession
Braces themselves do not directly cause gum recession, but in some situations, they can contribute to it. The primary way that braces can contribute to recession is when the teeth move as braces gradually shift them into the correct alignment. During this process, the adjacent bone and gum tissue must also adjust. However, in cases where the teeth are moved far forward or outward, instances of gum recession are more likely, especially if you are already facing thinning gum tissue or gum disease prior to even getting braces.
Here's what you should know about the relationship between braces and your periodontal health and when orthodontic treatments can contribute to gum recession.
Risk Factors for Gum Recession with Braces
Some factors can leave you more susceptible to gum recession when you're getting braces. These factors can include thinner gum tissue, pre-existing gum disease, genetics, oral hygiene practices, or the current alignment of your teeth.
- Thin or Weak Gum Tissue: Some orthodontic patients have naturally thinner gums than others, which makes the tissue more prone to recession when teeth shift. If you have had gum grafting to address recession or weakened gum tissue, your gums are typically left stronger and healthier than natural gums, which enhances the protection of your teeth and tooth structures.
- Oral Hygiene Practices: Braces create additional surfaces where plaque and bacteria can accumulate, making thorough cleaning more challenging. If plaque is not removed effectively, it can cause gum inflammation (gingivitis) and progress to periodontal disease, which increases the risk of gum recession. Maintaining proper brushing and flossing techniques is crucial to preventing this. If you're experiencing significant plaque and tartar buildup after braces, talk to your periodontist in Whitby about scaling and root planning services. For tailored periodontal treatment options, book a consultation with Dr. Adam Ohayon and The Perio Centre team.
- Pre-Existing Gum Disease: If you have gum disease before getting braces, you are at a higher risk for gum recession during orthodontic treatment. Inflammation and bone loss caused by gum disease can weaken the gums and interfere with their ability to support teeth as they move, leading to recession.
- Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to gum recession regardless of orthodontic treatment. If gum disease or recession runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing gum recession while wearing braces.
- Current Tooth Alignment: The more your teeth have to move to become aligned, the more likely it may be that the gums recede. This is particularly a cause for concern when paired with additional risk factors mentioned above.
How to Prevent Gum Recession with Braces
Orthodontic treatments like braces are highly beneficial to your smile aesthetics, functionality, and the healthy development of your teeth. As such, they should not be skipped in fear of gum recession, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the progression of recession.
To help preserve your gums while you have braces, you should be sure to stay on top of your oral hygiene. Avoid aggressive brushing techniques, but still, brush and floss regularly using interdental brushes, soft-bristled toothbrushes, or even water flossers to optimize the coverage of your teeth and braces.
It's also essential to keep up with your dental check-ins with your dentist or periodontist in Whitby. If you notice redness, swelling, or gum recession, inform your doctor immediately. Consulting with a professional will help identify any potential problems, changes in your gum health, or signs of a worsening gum recession. If gum recession is serious, The Perio Centre team offers a range of treatments that preserve your smile, from root planing and scaling to gum grafting.
Fight Gum Recession with Periodontal Treatments at The Perio Centre
At The Perio Centre, our experts are here to support the health and future of your smile. When you invest in a beautiful smile with orthotic treatments, periodontal care can help you preserve its longevity. If you are experiencing signs of gum recession now that your braces are off, such as tooth sensitivity, redness, inflammation, tender gums, or a receding gumline, book a consultation with the knowledgeable and caring team at The Perio Centre.