What Does It Mean If I Have Swollen Gums?
Healthy gums are a significant part of a healthy mouth. The skin that surrounds your teeth helps to hold them in place and provides a strong barrier against bacteria. If your gums become irritated or inflamed and begin to swell, your teeth are less protected. Swollen gums can occur for a number of different reasons, and there are often simple ways to help the swelling go down.
At Reflections Dental Oakville, we’re here to answer patient questions! If you’re suffering from swollen gums and suspect something is wrong – give us a call!
What causes swollen gums?
Swollen gums, or gingival swelling, can have a number of causes. Swollen gums can be very sensitive or painful so taking steps to help treat and prevent it from occurring will benefit your mouth health as a whole.
Gum disease or gingivitis
The most common sign that you might be suffering from gingivitis is inflamed gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious issue called periodontitis. This level of gum disease can lead to painful gums and even loosen teeth when the tissue holding your teeth in place becomes damaged.
Poor oral care routine
When plaque and bacteria buildup along the gumline, this can lead to increase gum sensitivity and swelling. Keeping up with a routine that includes daily brushing, flossing and mouthwash use can help prevent the buildup of bacteria, food particles and plaque.
Use of tobacco
Tobacco use weakens your immune system, which can result in a reduced ability to fight off infections associated with gum disease like gum swelling.
Hormonal changes, such as those brought on by pregnancy, menopause and stress
The increase of hormones that your body experiences during pregnancy, menopause and stress can lead to increased blood flow to your gums, which can cause them to be more susceptible to irritation and swelling. Hormonal changes can also reduce your body’s ability to fight back against the bacteria that can cause gum infections and gingivitis.
Chemotherapy
While chemo will kill cancer cells, it can also harm healthy cells including those in the mouth. Sore gums and teeth are one side effect of this cancer-fighting treatment.
Irritation from appliances like braces or retainers
These foreign items in your mouth can cause irritation and swelling, particularly in the first days and weeks of them getting put on.
Vitamin deficiency
Vitamins play an important role in mouth and tooth health. Whether you take a multi-vitamin to ensure you get adequate amounts or consume them in your food, vitamins B and C in particular can help prevent swollen gums and weakened teeth.
Infection
Infections like oral thrush, herpes simplex and tooth decay can cause swollen gums.
Top ways to treat and prevent swollen gums
If you or your dentist notices that you are suffering from swelling on your gums, there are several steps you can take to help reduce the swelling and prevent it from reoccurring.
Maintain a great oral care routine – Brushing twice a day and flossing and using mouthwash once a day are important steps in keeping teeth clean and gums healthy. Removing food particles from teeth and gums can help prevent them from becoming irritated and swollen.
Use a soft toothbrush – A toothbrush that is too stiff or hard can aggravate gums and cause them to bleed. If your gums are already swollen and irritated, a soft bristled brush will feel much nicer.
Maintain a nutritious diet – A well-balanced diet that includes plenty of vitamin B and C as well as calcium can help reduce the chances of developing swollen gums.
Stabilize your hormones – If possible, taking steps to stabilize your hormones can help reduce gum swelling. Stress and the increased levels of cortisol it produces can increase gum swelling so reducing stress can lead to improved gum health.
Your dentist can help
If you find yourself suffering from irritated or swollen gums regularly, visiting your dentist is often the right step in learning how to reduce the inflammation. Your dentist will be able to take a look and offer some suggestions on how you can treat the issues in your mouth and ultimately improve your mouth health.
