What is the best thing to do about swollen gums?

Question

I have braces and, although I've had them for a while, I have got swollen gums. I cannot see my dentist or orthodontist as I am on holiday. So what's the best thing to do about my swollen gums, other than brushing my teeth more?

Answer 1

Listerine (or some other oral debriding agent), and also, brushing your gums is vital and is just as important as brushing your teeth.

Answer 2

eat a lot of vitamin C

Answer 3

My mom is an orthodontist, so she told me this, when I had braces, "Your gums will get swollen and may hurt if you don't brush your gums, and floss in between each tooth." I dissobeyed her and never flossed, the second week my gums were very puffy, so my mom started flossing for me, it was soo embarassing when a friend was over, and I brought this to her attention, she told me once again to keep flossing, and within a week, my gums where healthy as ever!  

Answer 4

floss floss floss and brush your gums!  If they are badly swollen, see a dentist asap!

Answer 5

you probably should floss.. You might have a piece of food lodged up in between your teeth there..just floss for a few days and swish salt water..it should start healing up promptly. If its all your gums. I would def suggest going to an orthodontist or dentist as soon as you can. It can affect your teeth..thats not a good thing.

Answer 6

Dont brush your teeth too hard only brush twice a day use listerine to help reduce plaque or gingivitis. If the pain and swelling persists go to your dentist.

Answer 7

Gums that are swollen can be treated.  If you have a case of swollen gums that is due to inflammation, taking good care of the teeth and gums through proper and timely brushing, as well as, the use of natural oral care product can help reduce the swelling.  Dental professional help is required to remove the deposits which are firmly stuck to the teeth if there is a large collection plaque or food debris.  If swollen gums is due to certain medications, stopping the intake of the drug will automatically reduce the swelling.  In case of swelling due to general illness correction of the health problem usually results in an improvement.  For swollen gums that are caused by tumor, then the only answer to it is surgical removal.

visit http://www.oramd.co.uk for more tips about gum care.

Answer 8

Listerine may bring the swelling down a bit.  

If theres a bit of pain involved also.. why not try a pain reliever that relieves pain and reduces swelling.

Certainly not going to hurt anything

Answer 9

try something like a maalox rinse or salt water rinse. the Maalox can  help to numb  and it coats the sore to protect it from getting worse. or try something like Anbesol