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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Gums Swollen, Hurt After Flossing Quite Vigorously. How To Reduce Swelling?

I had root canal on a tooth a few months ago and all has been well until a few days ago. I flossed around the tooth quite vigorously. The next day the gums were a little swollen and the tooth hurt slightly. Since then the tooth has continued to feel heavy with the same sensation in the surrounding teeth and gums. The pain is worse at night and i ve taken advil which helps for many hours until the next night. There is no bleeding and no discharge from the gums.
Tue, 22 Jan 2013
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Dentist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Your tooth is root canal treated so cannot suspect any problem with the tooth. vigorous flossing must have injured your gums leading to gingivitis,that is inflammation of gums which causes redness and swelling. you can have tablet metrogyl along with analgesic 3 to 5 days. mouth rinsing with lukewarm saline water or antiseptic mouthwash helps in quick healing and gives soothing effect, apply gum paint over the gums after food. After 3 days if pain persists visit a dentist and check for any broken filling or adjacent infected tooth. take care.
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Dentist Dr. Deepika Attresh's  Response
hello & welcome
vigorous flossing may be a cause of gingival abscess.
you have to visit your dentist for curettage & to drain that abscess.
along with that you have to do a course of antibiotic including amoxycilline 500 mg, metrogyl 400mg, & ibuprofen 400mg (SOS).
maintain proper oral hygiene and do betadine rinses.
thanks & take care
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Dentist Dr. Bindiya Bhaskar's  Response
hello,

since you had done flossing vigorously around the root-canal treated tooth,gingiva has teared resulting in gingivitis.

apply gum tone gel on the affected site.

please do not irritate the area with fingers or any sharp objects.
brush the area carefully.

rinse your mouth after every meals.

please take a dentist advice prior to flossing.
please do visit a dentist.
regards
dr.bindiya
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Gums Swollen, Hurt After Flossing Quite Vigorously. How To Reduce Swelling?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Your tooth is root canal treated so cannot suspect any problem with the tooth. vigorous flossing must have injured your gums leading to gingivitis,that is inflammation of gums which causes redness and swelling. you can have tablet metrogyl along with analgesic 3 to 5 days. mouth rinsing with lukewarm saline water or antiseptic mouthwash helps in quick healing and gives soothing effect, apply gum paint over the gums after food. After 3 days if pain persists visit a dentist and check for any broken filling or adjacent infected tooth. take care.