What to do with swollen gums?

Question

I noticed that my gums are kind of sore and a little swollen from flossing. I floss after every meal because I can't stand having food particles stuck between my teeth. It sometimes hurts to floss because my gums are kind of sore, but I don't want to leave the food particles between my teeth. My teeth are fine, but I can feel that my gums are slightly swollen. Should I floss less often?

Answer 1

no you should floss as often as possible. flossing is like lifting weights. the more you do it the tougher your gums get. food is probably being left under the gums and you may need a professional cleaning done. but the most effective cleanings are done by a hygienist not a dentist.but to ease discomfort swish with warm salt water and use a numbing gel like oragel before flossing. but keep doing it. I am a RDA and i have worked in dentistry for years. and this is a common problem. these are the remedies that we tell our patients with the same problem as you.

Answer 2

Hello...I understand your issue about flossing, I'm pretty much the same way....However, you need to back off the tough flossing during the day when your not at home...Floss very lightly and when you get home and done eating for the day, do your brushing and instead of flossing "power wash both your gums and your teeth", you can achieve that by getting a "Water-Pik"...it will both clean your gums and in between the teeth but when used properly it provides great exercise for the gum tissue.....Here's a tip you may not know about. Right after you brush and Water-Pik...Rinse your mouth for about four minutes with really warm water...really warm...here's why...If you hold a hair dryer on your arm long enough the arm will begin to turn Red...Why is it red? Well, when tissue gets to hot the body's air condition system kicks in and sends additional blood flow to the over heated area in an attempt to help cool it down....So, if you rinse with really warm water long enough the body (brain) will kick in and send in the extra cooling blood...and..that will bring extra nutriments into the gum tissue it wouldn't get otherwise...Good luck and I wish you well.

Answer 3

Flossing after every meal is not necessary. You only need to do it once a day.

~Claire~

P.S. i like your earrings! lol

Answer 4

Maybe floss less aggressively.  If you floss too roughly, you tear the tiny little fibers that connect your gums to your teeth.  Try rinsing with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water), that will help to heal and soothe.

Answer 5

Gingival swelling or swollen gums appear abnormally enlarged, bulging or protruding.  Swelling of the gums is quite common and may involve one or many papillae which are referred to as the triangular-shaped bits of gum between adjacent teeth.  Common causes of swollen gums are gingivitis, infection by a virus or fungus, gum sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash, poorly fitting dentures, side effect of a certain drugs, malnutrition, scurvy and pregnancy.  Many people are experiencing swollen gums occasionally and significantly, obscuring teeth altogether.  The best home care for swelling gums is to improve nutrition if it is poor.  Try to avoid things that can irritate the gums such as commercial mouthwashes, tobacco products, and alcohol.  Be able to gave a good oral hygiene and try to see a dentist at least every six months.    

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