Swollen gums are often a sign of issues related to oral health (typically gingivitis or gum disease). Gum swelling is a common problem that many people face, and there can be a number of reasons as to why they occur.
So, should you be worried about your gums swelling? Keep reading to understand all there is to know about swollen gums.
Signs of Gum Swelling
You would typically notice gum swelling after brushing and flossing or eating hard and crunchy foods. Gum swelling usually presents as gums that are red, swollen, inflamed, and tender to the touch. Frequent mouth sores, bad breath (halitosis), and gum recession can also be signs of gum swelling. It is important that you talk to a dental professional or dentist in Sutton if you often experience these symptoms or if they've gone on for a while and are getting worse.
Causes of Gum Swelling
Gum inflammation is often caused by a build-up of biofilm or plaque on the teeth. Genetics, obesity, age, and tobacco consumption are also factors that increase your risk of developing swollen gums. Other common causes of gum swelling include;
Gingivitis - This is a leading cause of gum swelling. It is a mild form of gum disease that causes your gums to become swollen and irritated. Poor oral hygiene leads to a build-up of plaque (film of bacteria and food particles) on teeth and along the gum line, which then hardens to form tartar and results in gingivitis.
Because the symptoms are mild, most people don't even realise that they have gingivitis until it's too late. Eventually, untreated gingivitis can lead to much more serious issues like periodontitis and tooth loss.
Medications - Sometimes gum swelling can be a side effect of certain medications. If you've recently started a new medication and notice gum issues (swelling and irritation), talk to your doctor about adjusting or changing the medication.
Poor Nutrition - Deficiency in certain vitamins (Vitamin C and B) can also lead to gum swelling. Vitamin C plays a major role in the repair and maintenance of your gums and teeth, so it is important that you consume the recommended daily dose by incorporating more vegetables and fruits into your daily diet.
Pregnancy - The hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy can also cause the gums to become sensitive and inflamed. The rush of hormones increases blood flow to your gums which then causes them to be more easily irritated and swollen. Changes in hormones can also impair your body's ability to fight off bacteria, thus, making your gums more susceptible to infections.
Infection - Infections caused by viruses and fungi can also lead to gum swelling. Conditions like herpes often lead to an acute form of herpetic gingivostomatitis, which causes the gums to swell.
Thrush (when naturally occurring mouth yeast overgrows) is another condition that can lead to gum swelling.
Fitted Dental Appliances- Dental appliances like braces, dentures, bridges and retainers can sometimes be associated with sore and swollen gums.
Finding Relief: The Do's and Don'ts of Gum Swelling Treatment
Depending on the severity of the swelling, swollen gums can be treated with either medical treatments, at-home treatments or both.
Below are some at-home treatment tips that can provide relief for gum swelling.
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Improving your oral hygiene (brushing and flossing regularly).
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Better nutrition. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and reduce or avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks (sodas, coffee, teas).
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Rinse out your mouth with salt water to ease the pain and reduce the swelling.
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Soothe the pain and reduce swelling by consuming cold and soft foods.
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Drink a lot of water and try some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen) to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
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Avoid irritants such as alcohol, tobacco and strong mouthwashes.
Medical treatment
If your gums remain swollen for more than 2 weeks (even after at-home remedies), then you need to pay your dentist a visit. A full evaluation (blood tests, medication history, dental X-rays) will be carried out to determine the underlying cause of the swelling before medications (oral rinses, antibiotics) are prescribed. You may also need surgery (scaling and root planing) for extreme cases of gingivitis or periodontitis.
Preventing Gum Swelling
The best way to prevent gum swelling is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine and schedule regular visits with your dentist. A good dental hygiene routine will help you prevent the build-up of plaque which can lead to gum swelling. Routine dental visits also help your dentist detect and treat any potential gum issues at the early stages.
Conclusion
Gum swelling is a serious issue that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. If left untreated, more serious problems like periodontal disease and tooth loss may also develop. Thankfully, you can often prevent and treat gum swelling on your own with good oral hygiene and diet. For chronic cases, you may need to consult your dentist.
