Is it normal to have swollen gums after flossing?

Question

my in-laws were really successful with their garden this summer which equals lots and lots of corn on the cob for all of us! It's delicious and wonderful, however, it requires lots of flossing after meals. The other night, about three days ago, I had to really work at a hard-stuck kernel between my two front teeth. Naturally, they bled a little bit..but no worries, right? Well, a few days later I noticed that the gums directly in between the front two teeth has a very bulbous (spell?) shape and looks really swollen. Even lightly brushing over them with my toothbrush causes them to bleed. Did I just cause some slight trauma from flossing or should I be heading to a dentist?

Answer 1

Sore or bleeding gums may be experienced for the first few days after flossing is begun. However, bleeding continuing beyond one week should be brought to the attention of a dentist. As a general rule, any sore or abnormal condition that does not disappear after 10 days should be examined by a dentist

Answer 2

You most definitely need to see the dentist.

However for your gum's health, you'll need to maintain a healthy diet. consisting of variety of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, meat and whole grains to provide the teeth and gums with needed exercise and supply the body with the vitamins and  minerals that are essential for dental health.  Although all vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper formation and continued health of the teeth adequate vitamin C intake is particularly import for the prevention of gingivitis and pyorrhea.  Vitamin A seems to control the development and general health of the the gums; a lack of this vitamin often results in gum infection.  Minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium are also important for healthy teeth.

These vitamins and minerals can be obtained from your fresh fruits inclusive of citrus fruits, and vegetables, inclusive of green leafy vegetables and sea vegetables, nut, seeds and grains.  Some of your vegetables should be eaten raw.