Do I Have Gingivitis?

Question

My gums look swollen, red, and when I brush I sometimes see blood. I got my braces off a few months ago and when I had them I never flossed. Now I brush 2 times a day, and try to floss every day. I visit the dentist regularly, but I haven't been there since I got my braces off. Do you think they would have told me if I had gingivitis then?

Do you think I could have it? How do I stop it w/out going to the dentist right away?

Answer 1

There are many stages of gingivitis, but by your description I can tell you definitely have it. Having braces can cause gums to become red and puffy because it creates many hard to reach places. In turn, those places tend to trap food and bacteria which end up making your gums red and sensitive if not cleaned properly. Nothing can replace flossing, not even brushing several times a day. If you keep flossing and brushing your teeth at a 45 degree angle towards your gums, you should see less bleeding and redness soon. They usually don't tell you you have gingivitis, but they do say you need to floss and brush better. The word gingivitis sounds bad, but its reversable if treated at the early stages like your are. Just keep doing what you're doing. You'll be well on your way to healthy straight teeth in no time!

Answer 2

Yes you do. I have specialty in gum diseases (Periodontics). If you never flossed or brushed during Orthodontic treatment, it is likely that you have gingivitis. Bleeding gums are a sure sign that you have gum infection. Immediately after having your braces off, the gums tend to look swollen and angry. It is possible that your dentist assumed that your swollen gums are a result of braces. But you need to seem ASAP before it is too late. I don't know your age, if you are younger it is probably only gingivitis, but as you get older gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. That would be a major concern and can lead to tooth loss. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Sounds like gingivitis to me. My dentist told me I suffer from it also and he didn't tell me until I asked him if that was what was going on. He told me to brush, floss and rinse my mouth out with Listerine. And suggested that I change toothpaste, to one that helped treated it also. I am not really sure if it can be stopped but I would at least call my dentist and see what they suggest and then maybe schedule an appointment that is convenient to you.