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Your gums are a vital component of your oral health. They safeguard your tooth roots as well as serve other crucial functions. But what if they begin to feel swollen or puffy?
This is an uncomfortable situation, but should you be concerned? That depends entirely on the cause.
This blog post discusses what causes swollen gums and how to get treatment.
What Do Swollen Gums Look Like?
Due to increased blood flow, swollen gums typically have a reddish or purplish hue. They may also appear smooth or shiny, and they frequently bleed.
Causes of Swollen Gums
Gingivitis and incorrect flossing, as well as malnutrition and hormones, all have a role. Read on for more insight on what may be causing your swollen gums and how to treat them.
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. It occurs when plaque buildup around your teeth develops a gum infection.
Gingivitis is characterised by red, painful, and swollen gums surrounding your teeth, as well as gums that bleed easily.
Gingivitis must be treated seriously. Swollen gums and gingivitis are typically addressed in their early stages by improving at-home dental hygiene and receiving regular in-office cleanings.
Ignoring gingivitis leads to more severe periodontal disease and, in extreme cases, tooth loss.
2. Oral Abscess
Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to a more serious bacterial infection in the root of your tooth. This can result in the formation of an abscess.
An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms as a result of a severe infection. If you suspect an abscess, consult a dentist right away because it is severe and can spread to other parts of the body.
A fever, red and swollen gums, and persistent and severe oral pain are all symptoms of an abscess.
3. Hormones
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and menstruation can also cause sore gums.
Gums are densely packed with blood vessels that transport oxygen and nutrients to the roots of your teeth.
An increase in oestrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, adolescence, and menstruation causes more blood to flow to the gums, making them more sensitive to irritants.
During periods of elevated oestrogen and progesterone, the gums essentially overreact to the presence of plaque. Your gums get swollen, bleed, and irritated more easily.
Although swollen gums normally subside after hormones return to normal, it is critical to take additional care of your teeth.
This sensitivity makes your gums more prone to gingivitis, particularly pregnant gingivitis, so brush and floss thoroughly to remove plaque and debris.
4. Contact Dermatitis
Sometimes a person's gums swell as a result of a reaction to chemicals in the mouth, like certain compounds in toothpaste, mouthwash, and chewing gum.
This is known as oral contact dermatitis, and it is a rare cause of inflamed gums, although it does occur.
Sores around the mouth, an irritable tongue, stinging and peeling lips, and, of course, swollen gums are all symptoms.
Cinnamon and balsam are the usual suspects in toothpaste and gum additives. Metals used in dental procedures are also known to cause inflammation and inflamed gums on occasion.
If you suspect contact dermatitis is causing your gum inflammation, try switching oral products. If this does not work, consult your doctor or dentist to fully diagnose and treat the problem.
5. As Side Effects of Medication
Swollen or irritated gums can also be caused by several drugs. Certain blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, oral contraceptives, and chemotherapy treatments are commonly associated with swollen gums.
Consult your dentist if your gums enlarge as a result of medication. He or she may advise you to follow a particular dental care regimen to alleviate any discomfort and keep your teeth clean around the swelling gums.
6. Food Debris
Of course, sometimes the cause of inflamed gums around a tooth is as simple as popcorn. Actually: popcorn, sesame seeds, chewy meats, raspberry seeds, and so on.
When food debris becomes lodged between your teeth and gums, a thorough flossing typically suffices.
7. Improper Flossing Technique
Although flossing is a key way to reduce gum inflammation, it also has the opposite effect.
Because your gums are soft tissue, flossers should be aware. When floss is pushed in too deep or too forcefully, it can cut into fragile gums, causing pain and swelling.
When flossing, make sure to get floss thread between your teeth all the way to the gum line, but don't push down into your gum tissue.
8. Malnutrition
Vitamin A: weakens the gum tissue
Vitamin C: causes bleeding gums and delays wound healing
Vitamin B2, B3, B6 and B12: worsens gingivitis
How to Treat Swollen Gums?
The treatment for swollen gums is determined by the cause. If gum disease is the cause, gum treatment can be recommended by a dentist or periodontist (gum specialist).
The following are some of the most common dental treatments for sore gums:
Antibiotics.
Brushing and flossing your teeth more frequently.
Teeth Scaling and root planing (deep dental cleaning).
Osseous surgery (to decrease pockets around teeth).
LANAP® stands for laser-assisted novel attachment process.
If you have swelling around only one tooth, you may have a dental abscess. A dentist may propose root canal therapy or tooth extraction in this circumstance.
If you have swollen gums but don't have gum disease, your doctor will need to figure out why.
They'll almost certainly conduct testing to see if you have any other health issues, such as an infection, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies.
They will recommend the right treatment once they have determined the cause.
Simple Home Remedies for Swollen Gums
If your swollen gums persist for more than two weeks, you should see a dentist.
Meanwhile, there are certain things you may do at home to alleviate your symptoms:
Brush and floss your teeth at least once a day.
Several times per day, rinse your mouth with warm seawater.
To minimize swelling and inflammation, place an ice pack on your face.
Can Gum Swelling Go Away?
Yes, with correct therapy, swollen gums can disappear. Swelling can even improve on its own in rare circumstances.
For example, if you have a piece of food lodged in your gums, the swelling should subside once the food particle is removed.
However, if you have swollen gums as a result of gum disease, you will almost certainly require treatment. The sooner you address gum disease, the better your long-term oral health will be.
Conclusion
Swollen gums might be a common issue, but it's essential not to take them lightly. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for swollen gums, you can take proactive steps to maintain excellent gum health.
Remember to practice good oral hygiene, seek professional dental care when needed, and make healthier lifestyle choices to keep your gums happy and healthy for years to come! Happy smiling!
