If you have Swollen gums, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. They can provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend a treatment.

Swollen gums are a sign of many different problems, from poor dietary habits to hormonal changes. This article will cover the most common causes of swollen gums, as well as effective home treatments.

Causes

Almost everyone knows they should brush and floss regularly to keep their teeth clean. However, fewer people realize that their gums need care too! Swollen gums are more than just an annoyance, they may be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease). If left untreated, these conditions can lead to tooth loss and serious health problems.

Gingivitis can be caused by bacteria that collect on and in between the teeth. This is known as plaque and can irritate the gums and lead to swelling and redness. Gingivitis can be reversed with good oral hygiene.

Viral infections, medication side effects, scurvy (severe vitamin C deficiency), pregnancy, and hormonal changes can also cause swollen gums. Keeping your mouth healthy is important for overall wellness, so make sure to rinse with salt water and brush and floss your teeth gently. Avoid eating crunchy or spicy foods and drinking sugary beverages that can aggravate the gums. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and stimulate saliva production, which can reduce bacteria in the mouth.

Symptoms

Swollen gums can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection and inflammation. Usually, symptoms will improve once the problem is addressed.

Often, gums become irritated and swollen by food particles lodged between teeth. In this case, the swelling will go away as soon as you remove the stuck food.

Other times, gums can become swollen by a viral or fungal infection, like thrush, which is brought on by too much yeast in the mouth. Swollen gums can also occur if bacteria migrate to the lower parts of your gums, which is called periodontitis or gum disease.

In this case, the gums may swell and be accompanied by pain when brushing or flossing. Gum disease left untreated will result in serious complications, and could lead to tooth loss if it gets severe. If swollen gums persist, it’s important to contact your dentist for medical treatment. This can include using a medicated mouthwash or toothpaste, root planing and antibiotics, depending on the severity of the condition.

Treatment

In most cases, swollen gums will resolve on their own or with the help of home remedies. Mild forms of swollen gums will not require a visit to our wellness centre and may simply need a change in oral hygiene habits or a few other lifestyle changes like drinking lots of water to increase salivation which in turn will help to reduce disease-causing bacteria. Keeping away from irritants like tobacco, alcohol and strong mouthwashes will also be beneficial.

In severe cases, a periodontist (gum specialist) will be required to examine the affected areas and get a clear understanding of the cause of the problem. The recommended treatment will depend on the underlying condition but could include antibiotics, a scale and root planing procedure for tooth cleaning, gum surgery or LANAP laser gum therapy. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy or menstruation, certain medications or vitamin deficiency can also lead to swollen gums. This is why it is important to seek treatment for any dental problems and address any other underlying health concerns as soon as they arise.

Prevention

Whether they ache or bleed, swollen gums serve as an alert to the presence of a serious dental health problem. Like a check engine light that illuminates when something goes wrong with a car, they signal an issue that should be addressed before it worsens.

Improving oral hygiene is a primary method of preventing and treating swollen gums. Brush at least twice a day, making sure to brush away from the gums to prevent plaque accumulation and gingivitis. Floss daily to remove food particles that can lodge between teeth.

Limiting the frequency of sugary foods and drinks and carbohydrate snacks can also help reduce bacteria that cause gum swelling. Adding foods that are rich in calcium and vitamins C and B can also benefit gum health by promoting strong teeth and bones. Avoiding irritants like mouthwashes, alcohol, or cigarettes can also help to keep gums healthy. If swollen gums are caused by a medication, talk to the doctor about changing the brand or type of medicine.