A member asked:

I have great brushing habits, no cavities..but my gums are inflamed. how long should it take to completely fix this?what all should i incorporate

10 doctors weighed in across 6 answers
Dr. Theodore Davantzis answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Great to hear: It is terrific to see that your excellent oral hygiene habits have provided you with a cavity free mouth. The question remains, why are your gums inflamed? Brushing too hard? Gingivitis? Calculus build up? Your post does not say when you last visited a dentist for a professional cleaning. Even though you have no cavities and brush well, you still may need a professional cleaning.

Answered 3/17/2017

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Dr. Steven Koos answered

Specializes in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Flossing Important: Don't forget that flossing twice a day should also be part of your regimen. Perhaps the absence of flossing is contributing to your gingival inflammation.

Answered 5/30/2013

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Dr. Gary Sandler answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Could be from.....: I have seen patients who brush 10 times a day but still find plaque on their teeth.They either brush improperly or before eating rather than after. You must also floss after eating. I am a dentist & certainily know how to keep my teeth clean, but often miss an area here & there and must have my teeth cleaned professional for those areas. Medications & certain medical conditions also can be culprit.

Answered 12/9/2013

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Brush only does part: You didn't mention if you use floss daily to scrape the sticky plaque off the surfaces in between your teeth that a brush cannot reach. The brush reaches approx 60% of the tooth, the other 40% may be teeming with the bacterial plaque that is present in everyone. The hygienist removes hardened plaque (tartar) every few months, but you need to maintain those areas every day by effective flossing.

Answered 5/30/2013

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Dr. Gregory LaMorte answered

Specializes in Periodontics

Brush Floss: You need to do both daily and see a dentist regularly for professional cleaning, if you do all three well, you can expect your gums to respond within the month, if plaque is the problem and not any other condition which is not likely.

Answered 5/30/2013

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Get dental exam: Need to examined and rule out any physical condition such as leukemia or other blood condition. Then get proper hygiene instruction to determine how to take care of your teeth and to eliminate any local factors(plaque and calculus) that may be causing your bleeding.

Answered 9/25/2016

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Related Questions

A member asked:

How long will it take for cavities to develop if you don't brush your teeth?

9 doctors weighed in across 3 answers