Gums are really swollen!?

I have braces and my gums are so swollen. Before I had braces, they were like that too. I floss and I brush. My gums look pink and they don't bleed. And my gums stick out a little. I also use prohealth mouthwash and that made it better a little, but my gums still stick out! How do I flatten them?

Gums are really swollen!?
talk to your dentist.
Reply:Consult a dentist or brush your gums more often
Reply:You may a clean/scaling after the braces come off.
Reply:They're irritated or infected. Swish some salt water around in your mouth a few times a day for the next few days. If they don't get better, or if they get worse, go to the dentist.
Reply:rubber picks help just scrub you gums... but not too hard.
Reply:contact a famous dentist
Reply:Try to contact a dentist immediately that may be serious!
Reply:you will have to talk to your dentist about this. There is a chance that the roots of your teeth are "thicker" or are pushed out more than usual. You don't want to mess with the roots...lots of pain, so ask your dentist.
Reply:hmm... you should tell your dentist about this, it could be the start of gum disease or something bad, but it could be nothing at all- are you brushing too hard? maybe that could cause it- take care and tell your dentist when you see him next x
Reply:i have braces too, but anyway, you should put ice on your gums. also, if it gets really serious, you should definetly go to your orthodontist to get checked. he'll give you a medication to apply.





i hope you get better soon!! (:
Reply:It sounds like you have really sensitive gums..you need to discuss things with your dentist and see what is most effective for you.





Do You Have Warning Signs of Gum Disease?





You may not realize that persistent sore, swollen, red, or bleeding gums as well as tooth pain or sensitivity and bad breath are warning signs of periodontal disease (gum disease) – a serious infection that, left untreated, may lead to tooth loss as well as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and premature/underweight babies. Here's what you can do to protect your health:





* Take a short quiz to determine if you are at risk for gum disease.


* Learn more about the health risks of gum disease.


* Contact a local periodontist who's an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.





Diagram comparing healthy and diseased gums Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.





In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.





Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.





The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.





For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242
Reply:Sounds like the beginning stages of gingivitis. You should brush with a soft head toothbrush, floss, and use a good mouthwash such as Listerine twice a day. Since you stated that you have braces, it would be wise to get some floss threaders, since it is nearly impossible to get between the teeth and gums with braces in the way. It is also a good idea to massage your gums with your index finger (always wash your hands thoroughly first with an anti-bacterial soap) and rinse your mouth with warm salt water 2-3 times a day. By rubbing your gums and rinsing with the warm salt water you are stimulating and increasing the blood flow to your gums which will help reduce bacteria and infection.
Reply:If you try these remedies (salt water swishing, etc.) and they don't help, you might be allergic to the metal in your braces.


When you wear "cheap" jewelry does it sometimes give you an allergic reaction on your skin? You might be allergic to nickel, whcih is a common component in the metal used for braces. If the problem doesn't resolve, talk to your orthodontist about maybe using plastic for your braces to prevent the allergic reaction.
Reply:Prohealth is a good product - I know I work for the company that makes it.....no alcohol.





Are you sure that your gums aren't infected? Are they sore? Are they truly puffier than normal or do they seem puffier because of the braces? Does this happen after you have them adjusted or all the time? Tell your orthodontist. You are following a good hygienic routine. Some people have actually caused irritation by being over zealous too.... but rarely. Sometimes a gargling %26amp; swishing with warm salt water after you brush - say in the evening helps...don't make the solution to outrageously salty...like your Mom usually makes for when you lose a tooth.