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Question
I've had my braces off for 9 years. My Othro put a permanent retainer on my bottom teeth. Recently my bottom gums have been very swore and bleed every time i brush them. I cant floss between my teeth because the retainer is in the way but i use a tooth pick to get the food out and i use mouth wash after every time i eat. I carry mouth wash in my purse. I'm very big on keeping a clean mouth. When i take my tongue across my bottom teeth they are very dry and feel like my teeth are growing over the retainer. My questions to you is, Do i have gingivitis or is there something wrong with my teeth due to have this retainer in for 9 years? I don't have insurance so please if you can help me with your advice i would really really appreciate it.
Sounds like you have gingivitis. It is quite possible that you have an accumulation of calculus or tarter that has built up along the retainer. This is routinely removed during a professional cleaning, but if that's not something that you have done routinely then you need to have a professional cleaning by a hygienist. Hopefully, the inflammation has not progressed to the degree that you have experienced periodontal disease.
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Dr. Randolph Myerson
Expertise
Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.
Experience
I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.
Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.
Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.
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