Swollen gums w/ braces?

i just got my braces tightened today,and the ortho said my gums were very swollen,and that i should floss more.


i flossed as soon as i got home,and my gums started to bleed A LOT!


is that good/bad?


when will the swelling go down?


thank you!!

Swollen gums w/ braces?
It is common with braces to see the gums get swollen and infected with gingivitis. It is almost positively gingivitis since the gums will bleed as a result. If you haven't had a dental cleaning with a hygienist or dentist recently you should have an appointment. They will remove the buildup (soft plaque and hard tartar) so you can then brush and floss effectively. Generally the more diligent you are with brushing, flossing and rinsing the better your gums will respond. You should be brushing at least 2-3 times a day with floss and listerine or salt water. You may also be experiencing hormonal fluctuations that are causing the gums to be inflammed. I actually have some ortho patients that come in for cleanings every 3 months instead of every 6 months. Generally after the braces are off the swelling will reduce some as you are able to get at the gums better. You might also consider getting an electric toothbrush and (my personal favorite when I had braces) a proxybrush.


JAMRDH - a dental hygienist
Reply:The gums bleed when you don't brush your teeth well enough. But if you just got them (braces)...it's pretty common. Don't worry...just brush better and floss more. I know because I also have braces.
Reply:You are probably not taking proper care of your teeth. You might have gingivitis or another mouth disease which causes swelling bleeding and other stuff. What you need to do (i swear this works) get some Crest Pro Health mouth wash. It treats gingivitis and plaque and EVERYTHING without the burn because it has no alcahol in it! Trust me, i had swollen gums and the swelling went waaaay down within a week of use. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and after the swelling goes down with the mouthwash then start flossing and see if it bleeds as much...maybe u were just flossing too hard.
Reply:thats bad,, but the ortho says that to everybody. they always said that i did.. but it doesnt matter. my teeth are fine
Reply:Continue to floss even though it bleeds. Then book an appt with the hygenist. It could be gingivitas. Healthy gums do not bleed. Gingivitas is reversable but go and have them do a full evaluation and to make sure it hasn't progress to periodontal disease. They'll prob give you a cleaning to removed the harden plaque at your gum line. I highly recommend you go and see them asap. It's common because it's harder to keep clean w/braces. Keep brushing and keep flossing. Just keep up with the reg dental cleanings also! Good luck!
Reply:my orthodontist gave me a little booklet that tells you about how to brush your teeth and if your gums bleed to practice good oral hygiene and it should go away in a couple of weeks. so just brush and floss after meal and it should go away