Can I get rid of gingivitis with braces on?!
Question: I think my gingivitis might be pretty bad. Most areas will bleed if I brush hard and almost everywhere is swollen pretty bad. There's still space between the brace cement and the gum but in some places not much.
I think maybe I should request to my orthodontist that my braces be taken off until I can fix it because some areas are so swollen that it's very hard to floss - I think if I really flossed those areas it would simply cut through the gum because I can't reach the sides.
I feel very discouraged because I know I'm supposed to floss but it's very hard to and I don't know what else I need to do to get rid of it. And my parents don't want to take me seriously when I try to explain it to them : /
I'm more concerned of the health of my gums and teeth than whether or not they are lined up perfectly...
Answers: I think my gingivitis might be pretty bad. Most areas will bleed if I brush hard and almost everywhere is swollen pretty bad. There's still space between the brace cement and the gum but in some places not much.
I think maybe I should request to my orthodontist that my braces be taken off until I can fix it because some areas are so swollen that it's very hard to floss - I think if I really flossed those areas it would simply cut through the gum because I can't reach the sides.
I feel very discouraged because I know I'm supposed to floss but it's very hard to and I don't know what else I need to do to get rid of it. And my parents don't want to take me seriously when I try to explain it to them : /
I'm more concerned of the health of my gums and teeth than whether or not they are lined up perfectly...
if your gums bleed when you brush, it means there is bacterial infection in that area...so by not brushing , you let the bacteria stay and grow even more!!!
dosn't matter how much it bleeds, continue brushing, but never be harsh on your gum, try to use a soft or even extra soft bristle brush ( some dental offices do have extra soft toothbrushes that they order directly from dental supply companies)....what type of floss you use/??? of course with the brackets and wires you can't use a regular floss , you need Floss threader in order to reach in between....
again *** dont' worry about bleeding, when you see bleeding, continue brushing , and dont' get discourage****
dont' use listerine mouth wash...since your gums are very irritated , since listerine has alcohole in it, USE ACT mouthwash because it has fluoride which is good for you specially now that you're having braces!
try to hold the brush at 45 degree angle to your gum lines ( when tooth meets the gum) and kinda giggle the brush gently and massage your gum, you can also use rubber tip ...your gum needs stimulation right now ....
don't worry , you will be fine .
i'm very sorry and disturbed to see that stupid orthodontist that treats you didnt' give you good instruction about maintaining oral health!! it really makes me mad when i see such people working !!! they MUST give you written instruction or atleast reffer you to hygiene cleaning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, keep brushing at least twice a day no matter the bleeding. Go get some mouthwash, but get the cheap kind. It works better. Keep rinsing... Carry it with you. The bleeding will eventually stop and the swelling will go down. If it persists, go to the orthodontist and ask about some antibiotics... It is an infection and may need to be treated with oral antibiotics.
brush regularly and lots of mouthwash. like ACT or listerine
switching to a motorized toothbrush may help. I prefer sonicare over the oral-B ones.
Geesh...I feel your pain. I hope you can take care of this soon. Do you have the right kind of floss....with the threader for braces?? I know my husband had gingivitis really bad and he went through A LOT of pain to finally correct it. Your parents need to realize this IS SERIOUS.
1) Get a good spin brush like Oral B. I had a fit when my husband bought his because it cost almost $100 but it was the best thing for his gums.
2) FLOSS....even if it hurts...get in there and clean!!
3) Use Listerine anti-bacterial twice daily after brushing.
4) Talk to your dentist and/or orthodontist for more tips.
I'm glad you are taking this seriously and I hope you are able to start feeling better soon. I've always been concerned with my mouth/teeth and I bet it's really bothering you. Take Care.
First off, go see your general dentist (if you have one) they will decide if you have gingivitis and how servere it is.
You will need a prescription strength mouth wash that will get rid of it within a week or two. If it is that severe, over the counter brands will not help you.
Lastly, FLOSS. Buy floss threaders and get that crud out!
Poor hygiene during braces can lead to calcification of the teeth (brown spots or very white spots on the tooth) after the braces come off.
What you need to know is that gingivitis is ALWAYS reversible. If you don't take care of it now, it will progress into bone loss and that is irreversible. The best thing to do is to brush twice daily and floss once daily. When brushing, place your toothbrush above the brackets partially on the tooth and partially on the gums and use small circles. Then move your toothbrush onto the other side of the brackets and use the same motion and repeat. At the store they also have these little brushes called proxy brushes (sometimes the orthodontist will call them Christmas tree brushes) these are used underneath the wire in between each bracket and are VERY effective. I prefer superfloss to using the floss threader for each tooth. In addition to gingivitis you may experience decalcification (white spots on your teeth) after your braces are removed if you do not have good home care. Good luck and I'm glad you are serious about your gingivitis just know it is reversible and that you will not have to have your braces removed to correct the problem.
Most people before me answered the question, but let me clarify someting. MOST poeple have gingivitis cuz they dont brush. But some gingivitis are caused by other reasons-like allergic reaction to a mouthrinse, toothpaste or even to medication. Dont mouthrinse, since it will only provoque allergic reaction and its proven to be useless anyways. If u think ur gingivitis is really caused by defiscient dental hygiene, then i recomend the little brushes on a plastic stick for between ur teeth ( i know that GUM makes them, but im not sure if others do too)
Get yourself a good electric tooth brush. It will help you to reach places between the wires/brackets. They also do the work in a fraction of the time, and at speeds that even the most vigorous brushing can't do. Don't apply a ton of pressure to your teeth and gums when brushing, just enough so that you see things foam up. If possible, get one with a detachable head so that it can be removed after each brushing and soaked in mouth wash (to disinfect). Rinse after each brushing with mouth wash. Flossing is difficult for ANYONE (braces or not) to master...so if you can, pick up flossing "sticks" at your local drug store. They look like tiny pipe-cleaners on a handle. Your orthodontist/dentist may have them at the office to GIVE you if you ask for them. I found them to be so helpful when I had braces that now, 9 years later, still use them every day.