Why are my coils on braces cutting gums so often?

There are a few reasons why your braces coils might be cutting your gums:

1. Incorrect placement. If the coils are not placed correctly, they can rub against your gums and cause irritation and pain. This is especially common with new braces, as it takes time for your mouth to adjust to the new appliances.

2. Overtightening. If the coils are overtightened, they can put too much pressure on your teeth and gums, causing them to become irritated and inflamed.

3. Poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque and bacteria can build up around the coils and cause inflammation and pain.

4. Sharp edges. In some cases, the coils may have sharp edges that can cut your gums. This is more common with older braces that have not been properly maintained.

If you are experiencing pain from your braces coils, there are a few things you can do to help relieve the discomfort:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. This will help to clean the area around the coils and reduce inflammation.

2. Apply a cold compress to the affected area. This will help to reduce pain and swelling.

3. Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

4. Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods. These foods can irritate your gums and make the pain worse.

5. See your orthodontist as soon as possible. They can adjust the coils if necessary and make sure that they are not causing any damage to your gums.

In most cases, the pain from braces coils is temporary and will go away within a few weeks. However, if the pain is severe or persistent, it is important to see your orthodontist to rule out any underlying problems.