I've had my braces for a year and some months now and my gums are swelling. My back teeth are starting to look smaller so how can i reduce the swelling?? I've been flossing every night and brushing in the morning and at night. Is there anything else i can do to get the swelling down and if so how long will it take my gums to get back to normal?

2 months ago

Best Answer
Be sure to brush the gums as well as the teeth. Rinse with mouthwash. Massage the gums with a toothbrush, you can do this when you are reading or watching tv. You don't need water or toothbrush, just massage. This really sounds like a hygiene issue. The gums swell up around the brackets when the plaque isn't being removed.

Sorry…

Source(s):
orthodontic staff 19 years

2 months ago

I've tried the baking soda and it works OK but I heard that theres a way to bleach your teeth at home? Because apparently whitestripes just kill your teeth. I did see this stuff called "Rembrandt" or something like that and it would whiten your teeth in like 3 hours but that is probably expensive and bad.

Thanks for answers in advance!

2 months ago

Best Answer
The secret to this inexpensive home whitening method is malic acid, which acts as an astringent to remove surface discoloration. Combined with baking soda, strawberries become a natural tooth-cleanser, buffing away stains from coffee, red wine, and dark sodas. While it’s no replacement for a bleaching treatment at your dentist’s office, “this is a fast, cheap way to brighten your smile,” says Adina Carrel, DMD, a dentist in private practice at Manhattan Dental Arts in New York. “Be careful not to use this too often, though, as the acid could damage the enamel on your teeth.”

You need:

1 ripe strawberry

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions: Crush the strawberry to a pulp, then mix with the baking soda until blended. Use a soft toothbrush to spread the mixture onto your teeth. Leave on for 5 minutes, then brush thoroughly with toothpaste to remove the berry–baking soda mix. Rinse. (A little floss will help get rid of any strawberry seeds.) Carrel says you can apply once a week.

Source(s):
http://living.health.com/2008/02/21/whit…

1 month ago

see i went to the dentist yesterdayand the chick said i had massive tartar build up on the back of my front bottom teeth. I did not know why or how it got there? can you help?

1 month ago

Additional Details
i have braces though and it's hard to get behind my teeth!

1 month ago

Best Answer
If you don't brush and floss well in certain area, plaque build up and after 24 hours it becomes hard which is tartar. Tartar forms more in the lower back of front teeth and upper back left and right near the cheek. People always missed brushing those area. Try to use smaller edge of your toothbrush to brush the inside of your lower teeth, or use the brush that have pointy ended.

Source(s):
In dental field.

1 month ago

That you can buy over the counter. My teeth are in good condition however I would like to really whiten them more, I think after years of teas and coffees etc they could be doing with this. I dont really want to get the desntist to whiten them, hoping to find a great product available on the market. Thanks for any help.

1 month ago

Best Answer
A little baking soda or coarse salt put on your toothbrush or paste will make your teeth pearly white.Log on tohttp://tipsfromruby-teethcare.blogspot.c… tips to have sparkle on your teeth and keep them in good.

1 month ago