Eric Linden, DMD, MSD, MPH

595 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suite 7
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey 07677

(201) 307-0339

Monday 8:30AM–5PM
Tuesday 9:30AM–6PM
Wednesday Closed

Thursday 8:30AM–5PM
Friday 8:30AM–4:30PM
Saturday & Sunday Closed

Gums painful and swollen after getting braces

Q: I just got braces Monday October 1, 2012 and they are hurting. What can I do to take the pain away? I have never had braces. My gums are very sensitive. They are swollen too. So please help.

A: I would suggest that you take anti inflammatories such as Advil or Motrin if you are not allergic to these medications. You might want to add in warm salt rinses several times a day if you don’t have high blood pressure. Keep to a softer diet until your tissues get used to the new hardware in your mouth. Gentle tooth brushing to remove the plaque. I would suggest a follow up with your orthodontist to make sure the brackets and wires are safely away from the tissues. Do you have any pre-existing gum issues?

Q: My gums always bleed when I brush my teeth and even when my orthodontist was cleaning my teeth before putting my braces on, they were bleeding. When he was putting my braces on I tasted blood.

A: How old are you? Have you ever been told you might have gingivitis or gum disease? Did you routinely floss and brush before your braces were placed? Are you a mouth breather? Do you take any medications?

Q: I am gonna be 16 on October 14. I have not been told I might have gingivitis or gum disease. I brushed three times a day before I got my braces and I flossed at least once a day. No, I am not a mouth breather and no, I do not take any medication.

A: I would play it safe and seek a consultation with a Periodontist.

Q: Ok thank you so much

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