Emergency Orthodontist Near You

Bleeding gums is a common symptom of gum disease. There are chances that bleeding gums can be caused by brushing our teeth too aggressively, or from an orthodontic wire poking you. However, most bleeding tends to come from gingivitis or gum disease. This occurs when bacteria are stuck to our teeth, which resulted in the buildup of plaque. If the plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which irritates our gums and increases the chances of bleeding and periodontitis.

A wire that breaks or protrudes out of a bracket or band can poke your cheek, tongue, or gums, so try using the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a more comfortable position. If repositioning the bracket or wire is unmanageable, cover the end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or a piece of gauze until you arrive at our office. Do not cut the wire because that could result in swallowing it or breathing it into your lungs.

Reattach loose brackets with a small piece of orthodontic wax to supply a cushion until you can make it to our office. If the bracket has broken off completely, save it because it can be recemented or replaced by our office.

Tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable. If you experience tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink hot or cold items, this can be a sign of cavities or root exposure. This should be checked by your family dentist at your next dental appointment. It is important to know that after most orthodontic treatment has completed, tooth sensitivity is quite common. This is because parts of the teeth have been protected throughout treatment and exposure to decay causing elements and hot and cold temperatures are causing sensitivity. Sensitivity caused by orthodontic treatment is temporary and should subside within a few weeks to a few months.

Some discomfort following a tooth extraction is expected, but if bleeding continues an hour after the procedure, call our office. To keep yourself relatively comfortable, place a gauze pad over the extraction site and apply pressure by biting down on it.

An injury to the soft tissue in your mouth, such as the tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips, can cause bleeding. In this case, you can control the bleeding by following these steps:

• Rinse your mouth with a mild mixture of salt and water. 
• With a moistened piece of gauze or tea bag, apply pressure to the bleeding area, holding it in place for 15-to-20-minutes. 
• Hold a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek in the impacted area for 5-to-10-minutes, as it will work to control bleeding and relieve pain. 
• If the bleeding continues, despite your efforts, call our practice or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Keep applying pressure to the bleeding area with gauze until you are seen and treated.