how can i reduce my gum swelling?

Question

i have had braces since halloween of this year. and since my gums have begun to get puffy covering most of my teeth what i can i do to reduce the swelling? and how long should it take before the swelling goes down.. im a scared to floss because gums tend to bleed during .. is this good ? or bad

Answer 1

You need to floss no matter what!!! Even if they bleed. The reason they are bleeding is because you have bacteria under the gums. You should get a deep cleaning by a Periodontist (gum specialist) or the heigynist. I worked with a periodontist and getting a cleaning by one is not bad like people try to say it is. There is no cutting or stiching and depending on how sensitive your teeth are, you can have it done without novicaine. But if you neglect your gums, you may end up with bone loss and in time, you could lose your teeth. Floss everyday and get the cleaning done!!!!

Answer 2

The puffiness is gingivitis from the plaque accumulating on your teeth. Your gums bleed when you floss because they are swollen. They are swollen because you don't floss them enough. Here's how you get out of the catch 22:

1) get a thorough cleaning from your dentist. Air polish (aka prophy-jet) works well for people with braces

2) get either a rota-dent (available through your dentist) power toothbrush, or get an Oral B Vitality (or better) powerbrush and get the orthodontic toothbrush head for it. They're hard to find. We can order it for you if your dentist can't. The idea is to get all of the plaque out of your teeth. We call it brushing teeth, but we're really doing is taking care of the gums by brushing the plaque off of the teeth.

3) put toothpaste on your powerbrush, then dip the toothpaste in baking soda. Just a little bit will do you. Old hygienist's trick.

3) floss daily. Just like working out hurts at first, so does flossing. I highly recommend Oral-B superfloss (built in threader) for people with braces.

4) finish it off with a full 30 second Listerine rinse. Spit it out.

You are aching and throbbing and cursing me by this point. Expect it to hurt and bleed for a few days to a couple of weeks. Just like at the gym, you'll quickly firm up and feel better. Your orthodontist will give you lots of compliments, too.


PS salt water rinse helps in some cases (probably not yours), but lime juice causes tooth decay--avoid it.

Answer 3

I have the same on my bottom gum between 3 teeth. It only came after the last brace adjustment and it's not in a place you can get wax onto, as it is BELOW the brace, think that is same for you? (It's as if the teeth have been pushed TOO tightly together at that particular area). Mine, although swollen, are not painful, but bleed a little when brushing. . I was told it was just my gums adjusting to the new position of the teeth and that it would settle in its own time. To keep gently brushing with soft toothbrush and always finsih with a non AK mouthmouth.

Answer 4

I used to hve braces. You need to brush well and floss. Bleeding is bad, it means you are not flossing enough. Just floss and keep flossing everyday and it will stop bleeding after a week or so.

Answer 5

you should definately floss your teeth, as you may have some bad bacteria in there. Try massaging you gums with clove oil (this tends to numb it- but tingles alot at first) This oil and tea trea oil are both anti bacterial. I have tried teatrea oil massage when my gums are tender and swollen, and although it seems to make them bleed, (the massage) it got better.

Answer 6

Definately floss!!! However, some people actually have a nickel allergy to the metal braces....you should check with your dentist or orthodontist.

Answer 7

Try to put salt in the affected area..it may reduce the swelling at least.. The rest is purely higene

Answer 8

You need to floss to clean them well...a little blood is not a problem...check with your dentist...it's all part of the treatment and fees that you pay.

Answer 9

Braces probbly shouldn't do that but, try swishing warm salt water or lemon juice.

Hope i help!

Answer 10

Place ices.