Sore, Puffy Gums? Here’s What Might Be Going On

Gum swelling isn’t just annoying—it can make your day harder than it needs to be. Eating, brushing, and even talking can feel off. At Clear Braces Orthodontics, we see it all the time, and as the best orthodontist in Sydney, we know how frustrating this issue can be.

Swollen gums can mean a few different things. Sometimes it’s something simple. Other times, it’s your mouth’s way of waving a red flag. Either way, it’s not something to ignore.

What’s Behind Swollen Gums?

There’s no one reason. We’ve seen many causes. Here are some of the more prevalent occurrences.

Plaque Build-Up and Early Gum Disease

This is the big one. Plaque sits on your teeth and irritates your gums. If it’s not cleaned off, it can lead to gingivitis. Your gums get red, puffy, and might bleed when you brush.

Signs to watch for:

Red or tender gums

Bleeding during brushing or flossing

Bad breath

What helps:

Better brushing and flossing

A proper dental clean with us

Advanced Gum Issues (Periodontitis)

If gingivitis gets ignored, it can turn into something worse. The gums could start to pull back from your teeth. You may notice your teeth feeling loose. This is serious and needs professional care.

Possible symptoms:

Receding gums
Pus around teeth
Loose or shifting teeth

What we do:

Deep cleaning below the gum line
Ongoing treatment to protect bone and tissue

Other Causes We Often See

Gum swelling doesn’t always mean gum disease. It can show up for other reasons, too:

Cause	What’s Going On	What Can Help
Hormonal changes	Common in pregnancy or during certain cycles	Gentle cleaning, more check-ins with us
Medications	Some drugs cause gum swelling	Talk to your doctor or dentist
Vitamin C deficiency	Gums weaken without enough C	Eating better, adding supplements
Infections or abscesses	Pain, pus, and swelling from bacteria	Antibiotics, or sometimes a root canal
Allergies (to products)	Reactions to toothpaste or mouthwash	Swapping products, soothing treatments

Sometimes it’s something as simple as switching your toothpaste. Other times, it’s something deeper that needs proper dental care.

How You Can Keep Swelling Away

You can do a lot at home to prevent this. And regular visits to Clear Braces Orthodontics play a big role, too. Here’s what we suggest:

Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush
Floss daily—don’t skip the tight spots.
Use a mild mouthwash to help cut bacteria.
Avoid tobacco—it’s rough on gums.
Eat more fresh food with vitamins and minerals.
Visit the best orthodontist in Sydney—yep, that’s us.

Time to Book In?

If your gums are sore, swollen, or bleeding more than usual, don’t wait it out. It’s not something that will always go away on its own.

Here are signs you need to get seen soon:

Swelling that sticks around
Pain that’s getting worse
Bleeding every time you brush
Loose teeth or gums pulling away
Bad taste or pus near a tooth

We’re right here in the heart of the Sydney CBD. At Clear Braces Orthodontics, we don’t just straighten teeth—we care for your full oral health. If you’re looking for the best orthodontist in Sydney to help with gum problems or just want a proper check-up, we’re ready when you are.

Book an appointment today. Your gums will thank you.

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