All of a sudden my gums swelled up a few days ago for no reason. I just went to the dentist today but they were not sure what was wrong even after x-rays and they just gave me antibiotics. The thing is that the swelling is getting worse and spreading and my under chin hurts really bad.
Has this ever happened to anyone? Could this have to do with my braces? (I've had them for 1.5 years and haven't been to the ortho for 3 weeks)
Also, I think I might have overheard the dentist say something about bone loss but they didn't really say anything to me.
HELP!!
2007-09-19 22:57:27 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
This sounds like it could be a possible abscess. You mentioned that you wear braces so I would recommend talking to your orthodontist as well to get their input to see if it could be related to your braces. If not you may need to see a more specialized dentist to see what exactly is going on.
2007-09-19 23:05:01 · answer #1 · answered by sokokl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Routine check-ups should not be overlooked even though you have braces and are seeing an orthodontist. Putting you on antibiotics is a start, but the swelling needs to be attended to, especially since it's traveling.
Get an appointment with your general dentist asap so this problem can be addressed as soon as possible. You could have an abscess (not sure of your age), and it it goes unattended can lead to more severe problems.
Best of Luck~
2007-09-20 06:18:30 · answer #2 · answered by CDA~NY 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call the orthodontist, when you under his care you should not be going to a regular dentist at all. A dentist can't see anything with xrays if its swelling anyways, and antibiotics taken without a real reason could be harmful. If you have been on those antibiotics for at least 3 days and its getting worse you need to call the orthodonist now.. they do have someone taking care of the phone lines 24/7 tell them what is going on and they will contact him.
2007-09-20 06:05:21 · answer #3 · answered by Tapestry6 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You will probably have to schedule a good complete cleaning first with your dentist/hygienist to remove the calculus/tartar. It is VERY important to floss every day. If you don't have them already, buy floss threaders or "superfloss". People with braces find it more difficult to floss, so often they don't. You will bleed at first, but if you continue to do it every day, your gums will get healthier. If you don't remove the plaque as it forms, then it hardens to the point where it can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist with their instruments. The calculus irritates your gums and eat away at your bone. Bone loss = teeth loss and you don't want that. You can also buy little brushes (proxy-brush) that you can use to clean in between your teeth and around your braces. Good luck! =)
2007-09-21 00:33:03 · answer #4 · answered by LaLa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh I had that when I was a kid it went away on its own lasted maybe 2-3 months hurt bad and spit blood every time i tried to talk I looked like a freaking vampire all the blood coming out of my mouth my parents only did the natural organic thing and let me suffer what really sucked is when I had bronchitis all they did for me then was tip the bed forward to drain my lungs If I ever see my step dad again I'm going to murder him slowly...thats not a joke..... I hope you get better and don't look like a vampire oh and btw I never had braces.
2007-09-20 08:29:27 · answer #5 · answered by xlioilx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have braces and my gums are swollen around the bands. My orthodontist said it was because I don't clean enugh in that area. She also told me to floss there. If you cant because the gums are so inflammed, then thread your floss through a sewing needle. It's much easier.
2007-09-20 18:09:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
gum swelling and inflammation can indicate that you have gum infection. immediate action in going to the dentist can be a great help. your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the swelling and may have good treatments for your gum disease. for more tips to halt the progression of gum disease visit http://www.themouthdoctor.com
2007-09-20 17:07:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well..coming from someone with no experience...
maybe you have gum disease? or gingivitis. those are my best guesses. i also recommend going to see your orthodontist!
check out these sites....
http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/003066trt.htm
http://www.healthcentral.com/ency/408/003066.html
http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/swollengums_causes.htm
hope these help...
xx
2007-09-20 06:03:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋