Relieving Your Braces Pain With Gum Massages

There’s no secret that braces hurt, but they’re essential for some patients’ dental health. Furthermore, they can make it difficult to brush your teeth properly, leading to gum disease. 

Fortunately, there’s an inexpensive, easy way to ease the pain caused by braces. You can promote long-term oral health care and ease braces-related pain by gently massaging your gums. So, how do gum massages help alleviate the pain of wearing braces?

Is It Recommended to Massage Your Gums?

Flossing and brushing aren’t the only things necessary for adequate oral health. A gum massage — or gingival massage — is excellent for promoting gum health, relieving pain, and fighting gum disease. 

If left untreated, gum disease can have serious, adverse effects on long-term oral health. Infections of the gums can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, or even bone loss.

Will Gum Massage Alleviate Symptoms of Gum Disease?

The onset of gum disease (also called gingivitis or periodontal disease) occurs when food debris accumulates under the gums, attracting bacteria. You may have a gum infection when your gums appear red and swollen rather than pink. As well, if you notice blood when flossing, it is most likely that you have gingivitis. 

When you massage your gums, you stimulate blood flow. Blood-containing nutrients contribute to the healing process of receding gums when it reaches damaged tissues. The presence of more oxygen in the gum tissue can also help kill anaerobic bacteria. You can prevent tooth loss and receding gum lines by massaging your gums on a regular basis and increasing blood flow to the gum tissue. 

Is Gum Massage Helpful for Removing Plaque?

Gum recession is one of the biggest causes of tooth loss, and plaque accumulation contributes to it. Dental floss and brushing regularly are good starting points, but there are other ways to prevent gum recession. For example, massaging your gums can prevent plaque accumulation and remove existing plaque.

Are There Different Gum Massage Techniques?

There are several different gum massage techniques, all of which increase blood flow to the gums, remove plaque, and improve overall oral health. 

The simplest gum massage involves rubbing your gums gently in a circular motion with your index finger without any special equipment. The pressure should be gentle but firm. If your gum pain increases during a gum massage, stop pushing. You can gently massage your gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush if rubbing them with your finger is painful.

Some patients improve this technique by using edible oils, especially olive oil:

• Choose an oil of your choice and dip your finger into it. 
• Give your gums a good massage for 10 minutes.
• Rinse your gums after waiting about 30 minutes. 

A water flosser is a fantastic tool for massaging your gums because it may reach places your fingers cannot. The pressure should be enough to massage your gums without hurting them. 

Oil pulling can also supplement gum massages. You can perform this technique with olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, or even sesame oil. Swish a tablespoon of oil around in your mouth as you would mouthwash for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not swallow the oil when you are done. 

Gum Massage for Braces: How Should I Approach It?

It is common for patients with braces to experience pain. You can ease pain and promote long-term gum health with a gum massage if your braces cause discomfort. Due to the difficulty of tooth brushing and flossing with braces, it can also help prevent gum disease.

Fortunately, massaging your gums with braces is no more difficult than without them. Gently rub your gums with your fingers, focusing on sore areas. Massaging your gums once a day for about 10 minutes will likely produce tangible results. 

Contact your orthodontist if you don’t notice any improvement or if massaging causes substantial gum pain. Their recommendations will help you protect your oral health more effectively. 

How Often Should I Massage My Gums?

For best results, massage your gum line at least once a day, every day. Depending on the condition of your gum tissue, your orthodontist may recommend massaging your gums more frequently. You should consult a dental professional to determine how and when to massage your gums. You can also try a gum stimulator if your orthodontist recommends it.

Should I Consider Gum Stimulators?

A gum stimulator helps massage the gums and clean between the teeth. You can use one to massage difficult-to-reach areas of your gums by attaching a rubber tip to a metal arm. 

Your gum tissue will not need a gum stimulator if it is in good condition. However, it is worth investing in if you suffer from gingivitis. Gum stimulators aim to increase blood circulation and prevent gum disease. 

How to Use a Gum Stimulator

Use an interdental brush or dental floss after thoroughly brushing your teeth to reach between them. After cleaning your teeth, gently massage the gum line with the gum stimulator. Place the rubber tip at an angle of approximately 45 degrees against your gums. Make small circular motions using your index finger. Food debris should be dislodged between your teeth using the gum stimulator. 

When the rubber tip starts to wear down, replace it. When the tip is worn, it might not be able to reach between the teeth or massage the gums properly. 

Improve Your Oral Health at Patuxent Orthodontics!

Contact Patuxent Orthodontics if braces are the solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of braces or have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (240) 802-7217 or send us a message through our contact us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a complimentary orthodontic consultation! Our office, located at 44220 Airport View Dr., Hollywood, MD 20636, proudly serves Maryland’s Patuxent area, as well as the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in Hollywood, Wildewood, or Leonardtown and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Maryland, don’t hesitate to visit our office! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining sparkling oral health and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to become a part of our smiling community!

References

1. “Gum Stimulator: Colgate®.” Gum Stimulator | Colgate®, www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/gum-stimulator-what-is-it-and-how-do-i-use-it#. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.
2. Tu Anh Vu, DMD. “4 Ways to Stimulate Gum Growth.” wikiHow, wikiHow, www.wikihow.com/Stimulate-Gum-Growth?amp=1. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.
3. “How to Stop Gum Pain When You Have Braces.” How to Stop Gum Pain When You Have Braces | Parris Orthodontics, www.parrisorthodontics.com/blog/posts/how-to-stop-gum-pain-when-you-have-braces. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.