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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Using Braces, Lower Gums Swollen After Having Tums For Acid Reflexes. How To Reduce Swelling?

I am in braces (almost 3 years - just about done) and yesterday I woke up with my gums swollen on the front lower. In one spot the gum is up past the brackets (not over but in between). I went to my ortho and he told me I was not flossing which is untrue. I brush, water pick AND floss. 10 grand in braces...I am not skipping the routine. The night before I was sick, and I threw up once. Took tums for some severe acid reflux which is not common. The next day I had the swelling . By that night the upper gums were swelling and I had a bubble in the roof of my mouth behind the front two teeth . This morning after brushing, flossing, salt water rinses all day etc, the swelling has not changed. I have a doc appt set up, as well as a dental appt but I could not get in right away and I am worried.
Wed, 26 Dec 2012
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Dentist,  's  Response
The first thing for you to realize it is quite common when you are new to braces to see the gums swollen. This could be the result of a gum infection called gingivitis. The first thing to do is to ensure that your teeth are perfectly clean of all tartar and plaque before you go ahead and have the braces put on. Ensure that you have an appointment with the dentist who will clean your teeth thoroughly of all plaque and tartar. Once that is done you need to ensure that you do brush and floss well so as to make certain that teeth and gums have no thriving bacteria on them.

Gum swelling need not be only because of the braces but other factors as well. It could even result from hormonal fluctuation and therefore, if the gum swelling persists it’s a good idea to rule all of these out.
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Dentist,  Dr. Chris Herman's  Response
What you are describing sounds typical of an soft tissue infection. If you have no history of tooth problems in that area, you may have a soft tissue infection. This is most commonly caused from plaque below the gum line or in your case trauma from food impaction into the gum tissue. Do not be overly aggressive when brushing and flossing that area for a few days. Alternate between a warm salt water rinse and an antiseptic mouthwash. If the problem persists after 7 days, or increases within that time period, then I recommend you see your dentist.

Good Luck!
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Dentist,  Dr. Neha Sumra's  Response
Hello
Welcome to HCM
I would like to ask you did you went for oral prophylaxis before starting your orthodontic treatment??
Your problem seems to be because of improper oral hygiene.Its known as gingivitis & i would like you to ask your dentist to get your teeth cleaned.Since this braces are new to you so you might be feeling uncomfortable.But nothing much to worry about.Try to maintain proper oral hygiene by using orthodontic brush & mouthwash.
Consult your dentist for further treatment.

Take Care
Regards
Dr.Neha
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Using Braces, Lower Gums Swollen After Having Tums For Acid Reflexes. How To Reduce Swelling?

The first thing for you to realize it is quite common when you are new to braces to see the gums swollen. This could be the result of a gum infection called gingivitis. The first thing to do is to ensure that your teeth are perfectly clean of all tartar and plaque before you go ahead and have the braces put on. Ensure that you have an appointment with the dentist who will clean your teeth thoroughly of all plaque and tartar. Once that is done you need to ensure that you do brush and floss well so as to make certain that teeth and gums have no thriving bacteria on them. Gum swelling need not be only because of the braces but other factors as well. It could even result from hormonal fluctuation and therefore, if the gum swelling persists it’s a good idea to rule all of these out.