You can transfer germs, bacteria, and diseases through microscopic cuts in your mouth. If you want to brush your teeth before and after breakfast, focus on good brushing technique, which is … Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. At this point you should be brushing your baby’s teeth and gums twice a day, according to the American Dental Association (ADA)—in the morning and before bed, especially if your baby is eating food (even if it has been pureed). Research source Other studies have shown that rinsing after brushing has no significant impact on the effectiveness of brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. References “When plaque isn’t removed daily by brushing and flossing, it releases toxins that infect the gums and cause swelling.”. Many things can cause your gums to be painful and sore -- but not all of them require a trip to the dentist. Fortunately, there are other dental care products that help keep a pet’s mouth healthy. The discussion surrounding oral health tends to revolve around how to keep our pearly whites, well, white, and free of cavities. Sodas and juices leave residual acids on the teeth, and brushing can actually damage the enamel. I watched the brushing video after I read the blog and am wondering, you only showed yourself brushing the front of the gums/teeth, so my question is, do you brush the the back/inside of the gums/teeth also? Brushing your teeth for the duration of an entire song will ensure that you brush thoroughly! In fact, nearly all oral health problems can be prevented with consistent and thorough dental hygiene. Don't overdo it: too. I don't know if they learned anything, but, "Direction to brush vertically. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to keep teeth and gums healthy. It might be painful at first, especially if you aren't in the habit of regularly flossing, but … We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. For bleeding gums try stannous fluoride toothpaste, and 3 drops tea tree oil on the toothbrush before applying toothpaste. To slow or stop the progression of gum recession, you’ll have to take charge of your oral health. "There is such a thing as over-brushing, and it can wear away the gums," Kaplan says. Wait 10 minutes before brushing after eating a meal. Try starting at the outside lower left teeth, moving to the outside lower right, then outside upper right to the upper left. As a general rule, if you aren’t a routine flosser, bacteria buildup below the gums may cause your gums to bleed each time you brush. But it's not all bad news; the fact that your gums bleed when brushing your teeth at least means you're brushing where it's really needed – down at the gum line, which will eventually help to improve gum health. For more tips from our Dental co-author, including how to find the right toothbrush for you, read on! Consider using toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth. Swish water in your mouth to loosen food particles after each meal. However, my Oral-B Vitality Floss Action only came with 1 brush attached on it NO replacement as it’s advertised!I don’t know if I should send a message to Amazon or call? “By realigning and straightening your teeth (with either traditional braces, clear aligners, or porcelain veneers), you can gain better access to clean below the gums where plaque buildup is causing gum infections and swelling,” says Dr. Austin. These types of toothbrushes may help you when brushing different angles of teeth in your mouth. By using our site, you agree to our. Published over 20 times in medical journals, Dr. Whitehouse's research is focused on mitigating fear and apprehension patients associate with dental care. Only your dentist, in consultation with your general practitioner, can determine if malnutrition is causing your gum problems. Using a soft tooth brush, be sure to cleanse your gums and tongue as you would your former teeth. If the inflammation goes from being a minor discomfort to significant pain (especially if it threatens the health of the tooth itself), check in with your dentist, says Dr. Harwood, who will be able to hunt down the cause and eradicate it. Carry on using the brushes, and the bleeding should reduce as your gums become healthier. To brush your teeth properly, use a light-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a toothpick to remove food particles from between your teeth. Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1350ppm (parts per million) of fluoride. X 10 Reasons You Should Never Ignore Swollen Gums, According to Doctors Puffy, painful gums could say a lot about your hormones, diet, or even signal a larger health problem. This can also spread and cause bleeding when you brush your gums. "What helped me the most was that I thought two times daily was good enough, also I didn't know how important. If the swelling persists—especially if it’s associated with other systemic signs like fevers, night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss, says Dr. Shainhouse—see your doctor right away for a blood test. Alternatively, you can use flossers, which are small pieces of floss strung between 2 supports, generally with a pick at the opposite end. Scrub your tongue too, since it can harbor bacteria. Sensitive Teeth ammonia and cetylpyridinium chloride. Not much attention is given to our gums—in fact, the only time many of us remember they’re even there is when they demand our attention in the form of bleeding or swelling. Note that there is some debate on whether or not this is recommended. Do not swallow toothpaste or mouthwash. She loved it and was amazed by it. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Gums should not bleed when you brush and floss. This article received 19 testimonials and 82% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Electric toothbrushes are a great choice if you are a lazy brusher and think that the electric toothbrush might encourage you to spend more time on your teeth; however, you can do just as good of a job with a manual toothbrush — it's all in the technique. So every time you brush, you’ll be feeding your gums with vitamin C – essential for gum health and rapid tissue regeneration. “Over time, bacteria and food particles form a film of plaque over teeth,” says New York-based endodontist Adam S. Harwood, DMD. If brushing is painful, try brushing more gently with accurate circle motion only or switch to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. If the problem persists, the bleeding usually worsens. In total, it should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute to brush your pet’s teeth. Some commonly prescribed medications can cause gum swelling as a side effect, including blood pressure drugs that contain calcium channel blockers, like verapamil and diltiazem. The gums, or gingivae, are composed of pink tissue in the mouth that meets the base of the teeth. Curious as to what the problem might be? Ingredients in toothpaste and mouthwash can irritate gum tissue and even cause allergic reactions, especially with continued use (like when you don’t know it’s your oral care products causing the reaction). What Type of Toothbrush Should I Use? Expert Trick: If you have a regular dentist that you see, ask them if they notice any problem areas the next time you have an appointment. Support wikiHow by Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,656,818 times. Brushing for 2 minutes twice a day helps to remove plaque and keep your teeth healthy for years to come! Remember to keep the teeth-brushing session light and fun. Purchased in December and brought it to my dentist today. There are A LOT of different kinds of brushes to choose from I had NO IDEA! “The leukemia cells concentrate in the gums, making them puffy,” says Dr. Sakurai. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Why You Should Never Ignore a Swollen Uvula, Why Your Knees Have Swollen Up Like Balloons, 10 Weird Reasons Your Tongue Is Super Swollen, Dealing With Swollen Ankles? One good method is to brush with a manual toothbrush in the morning and use an electric toothbrush at night. Flossing is an incredibly important, yet often neglected, part of oral health. It would be best if you brush gently, using circular motions instead of back-and-forth, using soft, nylon bristles. Brush gently all around your child's baby teeth -- front and back. Reply. Choose a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles. Ironically, you can also cause yourself receding gums if you brush your teeth too much – too often and with too much force. Here are 10 possible reasons your gums are swollen, according to experts. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Once confirmed, you can pop supplements to replenish your stores while adopting better food choices. 4 1. When she did my cleaning, she told me it was the easiest cleaning she ever did!! Don't "snap" the floss between the teeth as this can. This article was co-authored by Joseph Whitehouse, MA, DDS. If you’ve already got your brushing and flossing routine on lockdown and are on top of your teeth cleanings, yet swollen gums are still giving you trouble, Dr. Austin recommends consulting with your doctor. At the very least, brush your teeth in the morning and before you go to bed. It's good to know, "I used this to teach my drama class how to properly brush their teeth. Removal of the device or having them properly fitted so they fit snugly (dentures) or don’t touch the gums (straighteners) can usually undo the damage and swelling. It can also happen if you floss too vigorously. This will increase the space available to move your brush up and down by several times so that no sideways motion occurs. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Should I brush my baby's gums? It should take you about 2-3 minutes to brush your whole mouth. Misalignment of teeth can affect how well you can access them and properly brush and floss to remove bacterial plaque. How Often Should I Brush My Teeth? You could have gum soreness if you brush your teeth with great vigor or use a toothbrush with hard bristles. Rather than cleaning baby's gums with a toothbrush, try a soft, damp cloth, or even a soft rubber or silicone finger brush. Sarah says. This is an important thing to know. By Krissy Brady Just because the teeth aren't there, it doesn't mean that plaque and bacteria are not. “Poorly fitting dentures, or even Invisalign-type teeth straighteners, can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and secondary swelling,” says Dr. Shainhouse. The premium Smart Travel Case lets you charge your brush and smartphone (via USB) at the same time while using only one wall plug. My son's pediatric dentist was brushing horizontally in his demo, and it confused. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Do not skip brushing your teeth — skipping out on this vital practice can cause tooth decay. Opt for the one that suits your best or ask your dentist or hygienist for advice. Many people create problems with their gums by using ineffectual or even hazardous toothbrushes (with splayed or too hard bristles). You can start turning things around by brushing up on your teeth cleaning skills (pun totally intended), which involves brushing and flossing twice a day to keep plaque from camping out below the gums. Prevention participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. You should brush your baby's teeth until they are old enough to hold the brush. If you're at high risk of getting cavities, it may be beneficial not to rinse, or rinse with just a small amount of water — effectively creating a fluoride mouthwash. Otherwise bacteria will grow. When you first start using interdental brushes, your gums may be tender and bleed a little as you start to get rid of any plaque build-up. Common ingredients that can cause pesky oral contact dermatitis include hydrogen peroxide (teeth-whitening), alcohol (mouthwashes), baking soda (toothpaste), and cinnamates (chewing gum). You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Your Brain Is Going to Get Bigger This Summer, Simple Self-Care Tasks That'll Change Your Life, The Most Googled Health Symptoms in Every State, Call Your Doctor If You Have Any of These Symptoms, 10 Exercises That Show Results After One Workout. What if my gums bleed? Vitamin deficiencies aren’t as prevalent as they used to be, but “we still see swollen gums resulting from malnutrition, especially among older patients who may not be following a balanced diet,” says Dr. Harwood. you really don't need to actually place your tooth brush up under your lips on that part of your gums. If you get bored, try brushing your teeth while watching television or hum a song to yourself while you brush. Based in Castro Valley, California, Dr. Whitehouse has over 46 years of dental experience and counseling experience. unlocking this expert answer. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. You’ll need to take a trip to your dentist for a professional cleaning, which pros recommend you schedule every six months or so. Many vitamins play a role in good oral health, but insufficient intake of vitamins B and C generally result in swollen gums, with vitamin C being a key player in gum restoration. Receding gums may affect your smile and increase your risk for gum disease and loose teeth. flossing is. Your dentist can give you specific advice about places you might be missing when you brush. If you find dental floss awkward to use, or you have braces, look for dental picks instead. Upping your vitamin K intake may also be helpful: “If you lack vitamin K, your gums may swell and bleed easier when they come into contact with bacterial plaque and tartar,” says Dr. Austin. She told me this is the best brush you could be using for your teeth and gums. Don't forget to brush your tongue & cheeks. Usually, poor oral hygiene: “Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that constantly forms in the mouth through the day and contains millions of bacteria,” says New York City-based cosmetic dentist Catrise Austin, DDS. CDA~NY. “These and other families of medications, like phenytoin, a seizure medication, can cause a buildup of gum tissue, resulting in a condition known as gingival overgrowth, where tissue actually grows over the teeth,” says Dr. Harwood. Depending on severity, your dentist can show you the best way to brush and may prescribe low-dose oral antibiotics or a medicated mouthwash. Brush with short strokes about the width of one tooth. In addition to brushing, you should clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another approved interdental cleaner. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Receding gums is a condition that damages the soft, pink tissue surrounding the teeth. Some pets, no matter what you do, will not let you brush their teeth. Bleeding from infected areas may be expected to occur for a few days followed by rapid healing to the healthy mouth you deserve. Healthy gums shouldn't result in bleeding gums when brushing with the proper technique, so this is probably a sign of gum disease. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. But when you brush with small circles like the hygienist demonstrated you are stimulating the small triangled areas of your gums that have plaque trapped in them. Wait at least 45 minutes before brushing your teeth after drinking soda, wine, or acidic juices such as orange juice. Gums are very sensitive tissue. But even with all of this cleaning action, your gums might swell anyway, and that could be a sign of an underlying issue. For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too . Stay updated on the latest science-backed health, fitness, and nutrition news by signing up for the Prevention.com newsletter here. He has held fellowships with the International Congress of Oral Implantology and with the WCMID. I also didn't realize how long you should wait after eating and drinking. Bleeding gums doesn’t mean you’ll have receding gums, but it can be an early sign of gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease) which can lead to receding gums. These are small wooden or plastic sticks that you can insert between teeth, achieving the same results as flossing if spaces are large enough. “It can protect your gums from getting infected and swollen by any plaque that’s hidden under the gum,” says Dr. Austin. Baby toothbrush from Dr. Brown's: Give your baby something to smile about with the friendly Dr. Brown's Giraffe Infant-to-Toddler Toothbrush! It’s also rich in the minerals essential for … This is because hormones affect how your gum tissues react to the toxins released from the bacterial plaque and tartar, she explains. You can find out the reason your teeth or gums hurt while brushing. This Could Be Why. December 6, 2014 at 8:52 AM. Because it’s not painful at first, most people don’t realize the plaque is setting up shop until it’s too late. Bleeding Gums . Brushing your teeth removes plaque from your mouth, which helps fight against gum disease and tooth decay. Use a good toothbrush. Visit a dentist at least every six months for an exam, x-rays, and a cleaning. You can get toothpaste to target a wide variety of dental and gum problems, including cavities, tartar, sensitive teeth and gums, gingivitis and stained teeth. Another less common, but serious, cause of gum swelling and bleeding is leukemia (sometimes, in the form of a single swollen lump or completely swollen gums). Definitely! To access outside top molars always swing the lower jaw to the side you are working on. Establish good oral hygiene with baby and have fun doing it, with the super-soft bristles on the Infant-to-Toddler Toothbrush that safely cleans baby's teeth and gums. Consider starting in a different location each time you brush, to avoid missing the same spots repeatedly. Don't brush too hard. Thorough at cleaning teeth, Good-Gums also provides nutrition which your gums absorb while brushing. If you're still getting bleeding after a few days, get advice from your dentist. For added fun, follow us on Instagram. Brush your teeth after every meal. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20100527/brushing-teeth-may-keep-heart-disease-away, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/brushing-teeth-mistakes, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00003, http://www.fluoridealert.org/issues/dental-products/toothpastes/, http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Oral-Hygiene/Brushing-and-Flossing/article/How-to-Brush.cvsp, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/brushing-teeth-mistakes?page=2, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8281561, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12399689, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/brushing-teeth-mistakes?page=1, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/brushing-your-teeth/AN02098. One of the most common infections that can cause gums to swell—especially in children, but it happens to adults, too—is called gingivostomatitis (whew). Puffy, painful gums could say a lot about your hormones, diet, or even signal a larger health problem. It's highly recommended that you replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Lv 6. “Swelling of the gums is never a normal thing and should be seen by a dentist or physician, who can properly diagnose and help with an appropriate treatment course,” says Kari L. Sakurai, DDS, general and cosmetic dentist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. So what causes swollen gums, exactly? Find out why your teeth or gums hurt when you brush your teeth. Why trust us? If you find that your gums are giving you 'tude following the start of a new medication, get in touch with your dentist, who may know alternative treatments or modified dosages to regulate the gum’s reaction. Always rinse your brush after using it, and store it upright and uncovered so that it can dry before your next use. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. She said there was no particles coming out between my teeth and my gums are super healthy! Brush carefully in the bleeding gum areas to help prevent any permanent damage. If your gums bleed easily, that's a sign you might have inflamed gums (gingivitis). He also earned an MA in Counseling Psychology from California State University Hayward in 1988. Most people follow the same routine while brushing. This article has been viewed 1,656,818 times. Electric toothbrushes are better because you don't have to "rub" your teeth — but in general, good brushing habits are much more important than whether or not you use an electric brush. A person may also wish to brush their gums regularly and gently, using a soft bristle toothbrush. Dr. Joseph Whitehouse is a board certified Dentist and the Former President of the World Congress on Minimally Invasive Dentistry (WCMID). Glucose is present in saliva, so when your blood sugar’s out of whack, the higher glucose level in your spit helps bacteria to grow that can eventually lead to gum disease, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Teeth-Brushing Alternatives. Brush your gums with a soft brush. Some instances simply require a change in brushing technique, while others require professional attention. I mean, I do brush my teeth at least once a, "I didn't know that it's important to brush two times a day until after reading this wikiHow. “Left untreated, the plaque becomes tartar, which can be impervious to your at-home brushing efforts.”. Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. “This infection may be the result of a viral or bacterial infection, and is often accompanied by the appearance of oral canker sores,” says Dr. Harwood. Use small, circular movements with a soft-to medium-bristled brush. Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Brush-Your-Teeth-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Brush-Your-Teeth-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Brush-Your-Teeth-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/aid30227-v4-728px-Brush-Your-Teeth-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"