Swollen gums are hard to ignore. You might notice bleeding while brushing or soreness when chewing. Sometimes, gums stay tender for days, or you may see a red line where the tooth meets the gum. Many assume that issues like these go away on their own, but swollen gums often signal something more serious.
Plaque buildup, poor brushing habits, stress, or underlying illness could all be to blame. While some cases are mild, it is always prudent to practice caution with your periodontal health.
This blog will explore some common causes of swollen gums.
Why are Your Gums Swollen?
According to the CDC, nearly half of American adults have gum disease or periodontitis, which manifests with sore or inflamed gums.
This typically happens due to an infection or other factors like pregnancy, ill-fitted dentures, or scurvy. However, they can also be caused by malnutrition and certain mouth infections like gingivitis.
Some factors which may cause swollen gums are as follows:
Poor Hygiene and Gingivitis
In most cases, gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene. Plaque builds up on teeth and creates a perfect environment for bacterial growth, leading to more severe conditions like periodontitis or tooth loss.
Plaque is a layer of bacteria and food debris that builds up on teeth over time. If plaque is left on the teeth for a longer period of time, it hardens into tartar. This build-up causes gingivitis.
Gingivitis may have mild symptoms that go unnoticed until someone has had this condition for a while. Therefore, the best action plan is prevention. Follow good oral hygiene habits (brush and floss twice daily) to stop plaque from building up on the teeth.
Mouth Ulcers
Canker sores, which often appear as small ulcers with a whitish center and red edges, can cause gum swelling and discomfort. They’re more common in people with autoimmune conditions, whose bodies may struggle to heal or fight off irritation in the mouth. This makes the surrounding gum tissue more prone to inflammation.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can lead to swollen gums, often due to poor dental hygiene and hormonal changes that increase blood flow to areas of gum hypertrophy, accelerating swelling.
It’s important to maintain diligent dental care during pregnancy; you should brush your teeth twice a day and be vigilant for signs of gum inflammation or disease.
Nutritional Deficiencies
The types of vitamins we consume through our diets also influence oral health. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the maintenance and repair of teeth. If you don’t get enough vitamin C, you can develop scurvy, which can cause gum problems or swollen gums, especially in adults over 55.
Ill-Fitted Braces
Getting your braces installed typically takes only 1 to 2 hours. However, they may leave rough edges along your teeth, creating spaces where plaque and bacteria can accumulate. This can lead to inflammation and infections deep within the gum tissue, ultimately resulting in swollen gums.
Smoking or Tobacco
Smoking reduces blood flow to your gums and makes healing slower. This can cause your gums to swell or stay inflamed longer.
Medications
Some medications, such as those for heart conditions, seizures, or immune disorders, can trigger gum swelling. If medication is involved, your dentist may be able to adjust your care plan.
The Best Treatment Options for Swollen Gums
Gum disease can be uncomfortable, but it can easily be remedied. To avoid experiencing associated symptoms, you should visit your dentist for a checkup and try at-home methods to soothe any pain following treatment.
Home Care
Swollen gums need to be handled with care. The following are some pointers for at-home care:
- Brush and floss your teeth lightly to avoid irritating your gums.
- To get rid of bacteria, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution.
- Avoid irritants, including smoke, alcohol, and strong mouthwashes.
- To relieve gum discomfort, apply a warm compress to your face.
- Get plenty of water. Drinking water will increase salivation, which weakens disease-causing germs in the mouth.
In-Office Treatment
It is always best to visit a dentist for serious or recurring gum issues. They will examine your case to draw up the best treatment plan.
To rule out underlying issues, they may recommend blood tests to check for infections or other medical conditions linked to swollen gums. Treatment may include medicated oral rinses to help prevent future gum issues, such as plaque buildup from poor brushing habits. If needed, your dentist may also suggest in-office treatments tailored to the severity of your condition.:
- Surgery
- Scaling and root planing
- Medicated mouthwashes
Prevention
The steps mentioned below can help you keep sore gums at bay:
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: To keep your smile healthy, you should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and use dental floss every day.
- Regular Visits to the Dentist: You’ll also need to see a dentist periodically so they can check for signs of cavities or other issues that might be affecting gum health before it becomes an issue.
- Maintain Dental Hygiene: Carefully brush your teeth after every meal to reduce the risk of plaque buildup and tartar. Visit a dentist at least once per month for cleaning, and check in with them if you’re experiencing other symptoms like dry mouth caused by certain health conditions or medications, which can increase dental problems over time.
- Improve Diet and Lifestyle: The best way to keep your gums healthy is to make lifestyle changes. Cut back on sugary food and drinks, which make teeth more susceptible to decay. Be sure to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Quitting smoking will also help reduce the risk of developing swollen gums.
Treating Your Inflamed Gums
Swollen gums can be a sign of something simple, like brushing too hard, or something more serious, like gum disease. The earlier it’s caught, the easier it is to treat.
If your gums are swollen, you can begin with home remedies and track your recovery. If the outlook isn’t too good, consult with a professional immediately.
Osseo Family Dental is one of the top dentists in the osseo area. We endeavour to serve everyone with a gentle, patient-centric approach. If you’re suffering from swollen gums or simply wish to develop a better oral hygiene routine, contact us or drop by our clinic.
Schedule an appointment for gum disease treatment today!
Phone Number: +1 763-425-2626
Our Address: 30 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369, United States