Do your gums appear swollen, red, or puffy when brushing your teeth? Puffy gums may occur in a variety of circumstances, including the accumulation of plaque, irritation, body changes, or infections. Sometimes the swelling is limited to one tooth, and sometimes it is spread throughout the mouth. It's important to find the cause because the treatment depends on what causes the swelling. When gums are swollen, red, sore, or bleeding, they may indicate gum disease, and it's time to see a dentist. Let's take a look at 10 common causes and some treatment options.
Top 10 Causes of Swollen Gums
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis occurs when plaque accumulates at the gum line and irritates the gums. It may cause redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding. If you don't brush properly, you may leave plaque on the teeth.
Typically, the first phase of treatment involves improved oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. Your dentist can also suggest professional cleaning if plaque and tartar have built up. Gum disease is often treatable if it's caught early.
2. Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis may develop into periodontitis, the disease of the tissues and bone that hold teeth in place. The swelling might happen with bleeding, foul breath, gum recession, or loose teeth.
A dentist must check for periodontitis and its level of severity. Treatment can involve deep cleaning under the gums and other periodontal treatments. In severe cases, more dental treatment might be necessary.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Bacteria and plaque build up around the gums when brushing or cleaning between teeth is infrequent or not done. This buildup may cause inflammation and swelling.
Make it a habit to brush for two minutes, twice a day, and floss. An interdental brush can be used to clean up between teeth. When you are having trouble keeping up with your oral hygiene practice, a dentist can demonstrate a suitable cleaning technique for you.
4. Food Stuck Between Teeth
Sometimes small food particles can get stuck between the teeth and lie against the adjacent gums. This irritation may result in local swelling and discomfort.
Use dental floss or an interdental brush to gently clean the area between teeth. Never insert anything sharp into the gums, as it may tear them. If the swelling persists after you have removed the trapped food, please consult a dentist.
5. Dental Abscess
If bacterial infection forms a pocket of pus around a tooth or gum, a dental abscess forms. Swelling can be accompanied by intense pain, sensitivity, an unpleasant taste, fever, or swelling around the face or jaw.
Prompt dental treatment is needed for an abscess. If the infection persists, the dentist may drain it and treat the affected tooth as necessary, for instance, by performing root canal treatment. Not all dental swellings respond to antibiotics, and dentists need to determine when antibiotics have a therapeutic role.
6. Hormonal Changes
Hormones may make gums more sensitive and cause them to enlarge. Gums can be affected by pregnancy and puberty, particularly if there are pockets of plaque around the gumline.
In these times, practise good oral hygiene, brush carefully and clean between your teeth regularly. Since hormonal changes alter the swelling, let your dentist know during the appointment and let them evaluate it properly. Professional cleaning can help combat the inflammation caused by plaque.
7. Certain Medicines
Certain medications can cause the gums to grow. The American Dental Association mentions that some medications, such as anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants, and other drugs, have an impact on gum size.
Never discontinue or adjust the dosage of prescribed medications without the advice of the physician. Make sure the dentist knows of all medicines you are taking. Your dentist can examine your gums and work with your doctor, if needed.
8. Vitamin C Deficiency
A serious deficiency of vitamin C can compromise gum health, which may lead to swollen or bleeding gums. Bad nutrition also can have a negative impact on overall oral health.
For most people, eating fruits and vegetables will provide enough vitamin C. If your swelling or bleeding does not go away, see a dentist instead of treating it. When other signs occur, a doctor can determine if they may be due to nutritional issues.
9. Mouth Injury or Irritation
Very hard bristles, overly forceful brushing, hard foods, or an inadvertent bite can cause damage to the gums. There may be some swelling and pain at the site for a few days.
Gently brush with a soft toothbrush and do so with care until the tissue has healed. Do not use foods that irritate the area and cause pain. Seek the advice of a dentist in case the swelling is serious, extends beyond the usual time, or does not signal an injury.
10. Tooth Decay or Other Dental Problems
When tooth decay is severe, it can sometimes result in an infection and swelling of the gums around the tooth. When it progresses, an infection and painful dental abscess can occur, according to the NHS.
It is important to have the affected tooth checked by a dentist and to determine the cause of the issue. The treatment will involve the extraction of decay, restoration, or root canal treatment if the infection has spread to the inner tooth structure.
When to Visit the Dentist?
Don't dismiss persistent or non-resolving gum swelling. If the swelling is accompanied by bleeding, pain, foul breath, loose teeth or a lump, see a dentist. If the swelling is terrible, you may need urgent treatment, particularly if it is making breathing, swallowing, speaking or opening your mouth difficult. If swollen gums persist or are uncomfortable, the Dental Cure will help you to seek proper dental evaluation.
Conclusion
Gum swelling can be caused by plaque, gum disease or infection, injury, hormonal changes, medicines, or other dental issues. Treatment is dependent on the specific cause. You can avoid many common causes by maintaining excellent oral hygiene, but if swelling persists, the dentist should evaluate the situation. With the help of The Dental Cure, you can take the right steps towards better oral health and ensure you receive the right assessment and suitable treatment.