Suggest treatment for swollen and stiff gums after cleaning gums
Patient: I have periodontal disease, very bad, bone loss.  I went to the dentist last week.  We set up a plan to start with deep cleaning of my gums.  Since my appointment and before my first cleaning, I have an issue with my back bottom tooth.  Last tooth.  It became very sensitive and painful.  I went this morning and am a bit frazzled since then.  My gums feel swollen. So I'm taking advil.  When the Advil wears off, the swelling is so bad I almost feel as though I can't open my mouth, I can but feels stiff from swelling.  She insisted I'm clenching my teeth.  Quite the opposite.  Since it's feels odd, I'm not closing my teeth together at all.  Not at all, want to make that very clear since she seemed not to believe me.  Without doing another x-ray, she wants to give me a large dose of antibiotics to see if it helps.  I am a very special case, allergic to most antibiotics.  Only one I've been able to take is a sulfa drug called Bactrim.  She said, wouldn't work on that type of infection.  Said she'd call pharmacist to see what they could give me.  Disappointed in no x-ray and that she was questioning my teeth clenching.  Advice please Doctor: Gums can become swollen as the result of inflammation due to poor oral hygiene. Since sticky plaque at the base of the teeth is what causes the gums to swell, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, particularly at bedtime, can help prevent plaque from forming. Proper tooth brushing technique involves moving the brush in small, circular motions. Eating and drinking from dishes, glasses and eating utensils, which have not been properly washed and sterilized also transmit the bacteria that can cause gum disease.