Just got braces

Jun 5, 2014

Holly B.

I got braces yesterday and halfway through the day my gum above my top two front teeth started to swell I thought it wasn't anything horrible because no other part of my gums were swelling but I woke up this morning and other parts of my gums began to swell but the part that was swollen yesterday has gotten smaller. My other confusion is that I have been looking online and everything I find says there swollen gums are also red and bleed when brushed. But mine aren't. I'm new at braces and no one in my family has had braces. Please help.

Jun 5, 2014

Alice A.

Don't worry its perfectly normal I had braces for 6 years and whenever I had them tightened my gums would do the same, it should go down within a few days if it starts to become very painful take some painkillers such as ibuprofen to help and that might also reduce swelling plus sucking ice used to help me too :)

Jun 5, 2014

Zynia A.

I have braces and the swelling is probably from the pressure that the braces are putting on your teeth because I couldn't even bite down or eat solid food for a week and a half. brushing them felt like a stab wound lol so maybe call or head back to your othrodontist to make sure you're really okay.

Jun 5, 2014

Shelby G.

If you're in pain, or the braces are making you uncomfortable in anyway, call your orthodontist and tell them your situation. Usually they'll but your appointment down as an "emergency" client and you'll get in there pretty quick. They should know what to do. :)

Jun 5, 2014

Holly B.

Thank you!

Jun 5, 2014

Georgie S.

It's totally normal for that to happen - I had braces too and although mine didn't swell, my sister did, she was told it was just a reaction to having the braces put on and not to worry about it :) but if you are in pain, then definitely speak to your orthodontist
good luck xx

Jun 5, 2014

Alice A.

Pain and swelling should be expexted a load of metal in your mouth is never going to be a nice experience but its worth it in the end

Jun 5, 2014

Mya T.

It's going to hurts very bad, when I got mine I could hardly eat soup! Buts after a while you'll get use to them. They get stuck a lot in my lips though?

Jun 5, 2014

Mya T.

!*

Jun 5, 2014

Bailee H.

Yeah its completely normal :p don't worry about it, its going to be sore but within a few days the swelling should go down :)

Jun 5, 2014

Bry R.

I had that problem and I just gently bushes my teeth for 5-10 minutes. It helped a lot. Or I would chew on something. They gave me a plastic thing to chew on.

Jun 5, 2014

Isabel M.

I had braces for 4 years and well... I am happy it is over. A small tip which SAVED my life: have a fluffy pillow and ice cubes. When your braces get tightened, it will hurt the first 2 days. When it hurts really bad, and you don't want to take a painkiller, take an ice cube and gently brush it over your gum. Keep doing this untill the pain disappears. If you don't have ice cubes, drink ice water, but don't swallow so that the water is still in your mouth (does that make sense?). And when you want to take a nap or just go to bed, take your fluffy pillow. It helps, a lot!

Jun 6, 2014

Brie H.

I had (have) that problem. My ortho said to just floss. Unless it's super painful.

Jun 6, 2014

Erica M.

You poor thing. I had them for four years, the skin inside your mouth is delicate- and those wires hard! Until it gets used to your new hard ware, they have a hard wax that you can pack on the wires that rub, it smooths them and feels like Heaven I remember! I know they had a rinse for me to use, I think very diluted peroxide, it helped the swelling. Good luck Sweet Heart!!😘 It will be worth it in the end!

Jun 6, 2014

Erica M.

If there is a sharp wire piece that pokes out though, call, go in and have them snip it!😁