Healthy gums are pink in color, cause no pain, and are firmly attached to the jawbone around your teeth. The warning signs that you have a problem include gum redness, bleeding, pain, and swelling. You should not ignore swollen gums since most cases will not resolve without treatment. Early detection and treatment can usually prevent a more serious problem that requires more complex and expensive treatment.
Learn more about how to treat swollen gums, and schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today!
What Is the Leading Cause of Swollen Gums?
Swollen gums are common and have several potential causes, such as:
· Dental plaque. Plaque that accumulates on teeth causes gingivitis or early gum disease. Without treatment, gum disease advances to a more severe gum infection known as periodontitis.
· Abscessed tooth. Deep decay and trauma are the most common causes of an infected tooth. This can cause an abscess to form in the gum and bone around a tooth, resulting in swelling of the gum, jaw, or face.
· Hormones. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or puberty can cause more blood to flow to your gums and cause swelling.
· Chemicals. A less frequent but possible cause of swollen gums is contact with the chemicals found in certain oral health care products such as toothpaste or a mouth rinse.
· Medication. Certain medications, such as some high blood pressure medicines, may cause swollen gums.
· Food particle. Popcorn husks lodged between your tooth and gum can cause your gums to swell and cause pain.
What is Gingivitis?
Swollen gums most often are one of the early signs of gum disease or gingivitis. Swelling, redness, and bleeding indicate inflammation that can eventually cause bone loss, loose teeth, and tooth extraction. Untreated gum disease is the number one cause of missing teeth and should be taken very seriously. Not only is gingivitis a threat to your oral health, but recent studies show a link between inflamed gums and serious medical conditions such as:
· Heart disease
· Diabetes
· Rheumatoid arthritis
· Alzheimer’s disease
What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?
Gingivitis begins slowly and silently, but once the gums become inflamed, the destruction can progress quickly. For this reason, it is best to contact your dentist as soon as possible if you notice the symptoms of gingivitis, including:
· Swollen gums around one or more teeth.
· Change in the light pink color of healthy gums.
· Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
· Sore or painful gums.
· Persistent bad breath or halitosis.
· Receding gums.
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop swollen gums from gingivitis in less than one week. Several factors can increase your risk, such as:
· Inadequate brushing and flossing
· Smoking or use of other tobacco products
· Dry mouth
· Compromised immunity
· Crooked teeth
What Complications Develop with Gingivitis?
Untreated gum disease progresses into a destructive oral infection that can affect your systemic health. Gingivitis can affect your smile and lead to dental expenses for periodontal surgery, tooth extractions, implants, dental crowns, and bridges. Seeking treatment for the mild form of gingivitis soon after you notice swollen gums can save you money and time at the dental office.
How Can I Prevent Swollen Gums from Gingivitis?
The leading cause of swollen gums, gingivitis, is entirely preventable by taking these steps:
· Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes.
· Flossing daily using the proper technique.
· Regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning.
· Staying hydrated by drinking sufficient water daily.
· Eating a healthy diet that includes vegetables and fruits and minimal sugary foods and drinks.
· Wearing a custom-made mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.
· Refraining from harmful oral habits such as nail-biting and ice chewing.
How Are Swollen Gums Treated?
The treatment depends on the cause of your swollen gums. Gum disease, if treated early, responds to professional teeth cleaning and improving oral hygiene at home. Treatment for periodontal disease can include deep scaling, root planing, and periodontal surgery. Sometimes the successful treatment of swollen gums includes straightening crooked teeth, placing dental restorations, and implants to replace missing teeth.
Depending on the cause of your swollen gums, you may benefit from braces or dental restorations such as crowns and implants.
Schedule an Appointment
Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss with Trident General Dentistry how to resolve your swollen gums best and maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.