2007-06-20 07:52:15 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
Puffy gums are sort of normal when having braces, part of it is because the teeth are moving and the other part***may be because food/bacteria/plaque are getting under the gum line area. ****
Make sure you are brushing the gum line area around the brackets very well, the most problematic areas are the lower front teeth area, and the side areas on the top teeth (between the front teeth and the back teeth- the bicuspid areas)people are notoiously missing those areas with their brush the most.
There is a special braces brush that looks like a Christmas tree,that one is excellent for getting in between the wire and the teeth. When using that on the upper teeth brush down-away from the gums and just the opposite on the lower teeth. There is also a thinner regular toothbrush that people can use and works well at the gum line. Don't be afraid to gently brush the gums as well. Rinse with salt water may also help after you have brushed really well. Time yourself and give yourself 2-3 minutes to brush. We used to put an egg-timer in with the patients when they brushed to show them how LONG 2-3 minutes really is when you brush.
If the problem persists or gets worse contact your orthodontist, they may have other tricks of the trade that may help you as well :o)
2007-06-20 08:37:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
I have been an Orthodontic Assistant for 10 years. It is quite common for gums to get puffy with braces, however there are things that you can do.
Make sure that you are brushing for at least 3 minutes each time at least twice a day. Floss too :-)
Also, you should start swishing with warm salt water rinses.
Fill a cup about halfway with warm tap water, stir in salt, as much as can be dissolved nad swish in mouth for about 30 seconds. repeat until cup is empty. Do this 3-4 times a day and your gums will be looking better in no time.
Good luck ;-)
2007-06-20 15:37:50 · answer #2 · answered by Kim 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
HELLO,
YOU DO HAVE GINGIVITIS. THIS IS CAUSED BY DENTAL PLAQUE UNDERNEATH THE GUMS. HAVE A PROFESSIONALCLEANING AND GET YOURSELF A WATERPIK TO CLEAN WHERE YOUR BRUSH KEEPS MISSING THE GUMS.
2007-06-20 17:53:44 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could have gingivitis, talk to your orthodontist about it.
2007-06-20 14:55:32 · answer #4 · answered by RMFT 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋