If you have swollen, inflamed gums, this can cause serious discomfort. Although inflamed gums are not life-threatening, they can significantly affect oral health. The most common causes of gum inflammation are poor oral hygiene, smoking, medical treatment, hormonal changes, and irritation from dental appliances, such as dentures or braces.
Symptoms of Gum Inflammation
In good condition, the gums should have a light pink shade and fit tightly around the teeth.
Inflamed gums usually cause the following symptoms:
- discomfort;
- redness;
- bleeding;
- bruising near the gumline;
- persistent bad breath;
- swelling;
- sensitivity;
- recession — pulling away of the gums from the roots of the teeth.
Causes of Gum Inflammation
One of the common causes of gum inflammation is poor oral hygiene. Insufficient dental care leads to the formation of dental plaque. Dental plaque is a biofilm consisting of bacteria that hardens if it is not removed immediately. When dental plaque hardens, it turns into tartar and penetrates the gumline. The fact is that tartar is essentially a protective barrier for bacteria. This means that it is difficult to penetrate, and therefore it ensures the longevity of bacteria. Bacterial by-products cause gum inflammation.
Gingivitis is an early and relatively mild form of gum disease. One of the most common signs of gum disease is sensitivity and bleeding during brushing or flossing. Although gingivitis is not a serious stage of gum disease, it is important to treat the problem in time in order to avoid further problems.
Periodontitis: if gingivitis is not treated in time, it can progress to a more serious type of gum infection known as periodontitis. In this condition, gum inflammation increases, and the teeth may begin to loosen. In periodontitis, the tissue that holds the teeth is damaged. Dental treatment of inflamed gums and periodontitis is very important for long-term oral health and prevention of tooth loss.
Abscess: dental abscesses develop when pus accumulates inside or around a tooth. This condition may be caused by gum disease, caries, fractures, or other problems.
Food accumulation on the teeth: food particles stuck between the teeth may put slight pressure on the gumline. Inflammation leads to swelling. To relieve unpleasant sensations, try using dental floss and rinsing the oral cavity with water.
Reaction to mouthwash or toothpaste due to sensitivity: gum inflammation may result from sensitivity to certain products. In addition, an allergic reaction to new products may provoke swelling. As a rule, the cause is a new toothpaste or mouthwash.
Pregnancy: gum inflammation may occur as a result of numerous hormonal changes that take place in a woman’s body during pregnancy.
Orthodontic appliances: the gums need some time to adapt to new orthodontic appliances, including dentures or braces. Until this happens, the gums may swell and become inflamed. In addition, the gums may become irritated if the dental appliances do not fit the patient. If the discomfort becomes stronger, it is necessary to contact a dentist as soon as possible.
Nutrition: your diet can affect gum health. An unhealthy diet with low levels of vitamin C can lead to gum inflammation.
Smoking and tobacco use: smoking or chewing tobacco reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth, which is very important for oral health. Saliva washes away bacteria, making it more difficult for dental plaque to form. With dry mouth, it is much easier for bacteria to create colonies between the gums. Smokers are at greater risk of developing tartar and gum inflammation.
Injuries in the mouth area: gum tissues and teeth are often damaged by trauma to the mouth.
What Methods Exist for Treating Inflamed Gums
The following methods may help your swollen, inflamed gums recover.
- Change the way you brush your teeth. Choose toothbrushes with soft bristles and avoid brushing too hard, as this may damage the tissue around the teeth. Also clean with dental floss slowly and make sure that you remove all food particles stuck between the teeth.
- Always choose a healthy lifestyle. Gum health can also be supported by following a proper diet and controlling blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. Healthy teeth and gums may be the result of consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods. To maintain both a healthy body and a healthy smile, follow a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich dishes, and whole-grain products.
- Visit the dentist regularly. Make an appointment with your dentist to remove tartar and maintain gum health. You may need professional cleaning more often if you smoke, take certain medications, have dry mouth, or have other risk factors for periodontitis.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.