Swollen Gums: Possible Causes & Treatment
Even if you don’t know too much about the inner workings of dentistry, it’s easy to tell when something isn’t right with your mouth. One area where problems can occur? Your gum tissue. Fortunately, if your gums are bulging out or covering part of your tooth, our Washington, MI, dentists are here to help.
Here’s what you should know about swollen gums, when they require treatment, and 4 possible causes.
When It’s Time for Concern
If you look in the mirror, smile, and notice an area on your gums that is redder than usual, it is not necessarily the time to panic. You could have irritated your gums with a slip of the toothbrush, acidic foods, or a dental appliance.
When gums become highly sensitive, painful, or bleed easily, there could be a more serious issue at play. Don’t hesitate to contact our Washington dental office if you’re experiencing gum discomfort as it could be a sign of periodontal disease.
Likely Causes of Gum Swelling
Swollen gums can be caused by several factors. Some have to deal more with lifestyle choice, such as tobacco use or pregnancy, while others center around poor oral hygiene habits. Regardless, determining a cause will ultimately help influence treatment.
You may have swollen gums because of:
- Gingivitis or periodontitis
- Pregnancy
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Infection
1) Gum Disease (Gingivitis or Periodontitis)
Gingivitis is a mild form of and many individuals do not even know they have the condition due to minor symptoms. Nonetheless, gum irritation can occur. Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed with a professional teeth cleaning and good oral hygiene habits practiced at home.
However, if gingivitis is not treated in a timely manner and neglected, it can progress into periodontitis which is more serious and long-term. At its worst, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. Having your gums checked out by one of our dentists can be what saves your teeth and eliminates any swelling or pain.
2) Pregnancy
can happen due to an increase in hormones in the body. In fact, it’s not uncommon for pregnancy to put you at risk for loose teeth, cavities, and irritated gums. Hormonal changes can also lead to a lessened ability to fight off bacteria responsible for gum infections. If you are pregnant, please be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit our office every six months for a cleaning.
3) Lack of Helpful Vitamins
A lack of vitamin B and C in your diet can result in swollen gums. Did you know that vitamin C in particular is important when it comes to the repair and maintenance of your teeth and gums? Yes, receiving enough vitamins from foods like fruits and vegetables can help your oral health and frankly, the entire body. Proper nutrition is something to smile about!
4) Onset of Infection
Certain viruses or bacteria can potentially lead to your gums becoming swollen. Untreated tooth decay can also be the root cause of why an infection has begun in the first place as neglect can create a painful dental abscess. If you believe you have an oral infection, please make an appointment with our dentists and we can help resolve the situation to the best of our ability.
Treatment: What You (and We) Can Do
At Romeo Family Dentistry, we offer several forms of treatment designed to alleviate swollen gums. One of which is scaling and root planing. This form of deep cleaning is reserved for patients with confirmed periodontal disease and removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
If our dentists find that you only have mild gingivitis, we will perform a regular cleaning to get rid of left behind plaque and food particles. Swelling and redness should go away not long after the cleaning but please do not hesitate to contact us if the problem persists.
Before seeking professional care, however, we do recommend you try a few at-home remedies first to see if the swelling goes down. A few tips include:
- Stay hydrated with plenty of water
- Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to remove bacteria
- Avoid anything that may irritate your mouth like strong rinses, tobacco, or alcohol
- Use a warm compress for gum pain or a cold compress for any swelling
- Brush and floss your teeth gently
We Can Help You Find Relief
It’s best not to drag your feet when it comes to gums that have been swollen for an extended period of time. What you need to do is contact our dentists in Washington, MI, so we can find the best way to help relieve your condition. Call Romeo Family Dentistry today at(586) 752-3589 to request an appointment.