When your gums turn red, get swollen, or start to hurt, it is a sure sign that something is wrong. There are several causes of gum inflammation that can lead to the development of gum disease if left untreated. At Pearl Dental, our periodontics Pomona experts can help you find the root cause of gum inflammation to help you get the treatment you need.
Keep reading to learn what causes gum inflammation and the best treatment options available.
Biggest Causes of Gum Inflammation
Gum inflammation is almost always a sign that your gums are infected. Infections can be caused in a few different ways, including:
Plaque
The most common cause of gum inflammation is the buildup of plaque, a hard substance made from bacteria. As plaque hardens on your teeth, it spreads this bacteria to the teeth and gums. Untreated plaque can make the gums sore, ultimately contributing to inflammation and infection. To remove hardened plaque from your teeth, you must visit your local dental professional.
Infection
Infections come in all shapes and forms, and sometimes they can be hard to detect before it’s too late. An oral infection can cause swollen gums and potentially tooth loss. Infections can come from diseases, bacteria, viruses, or tooth decay. It is important to treat a tooth infection as quickly as possible before it can spread to the rest of the mouth.
Gingivitis
Untreated plaque can develop into gingivitis, which is the most common cause of gum inflammation. Untreated plaque develops into an infection in the gums, causing them to become red and swollen. Irritated gums are one of the first signs of gingivitis that should be treated right away. As symptoms progress, the gums become more inflamed and swollen, leading to periodontitis, which is incurable.
Malnutrition
Aside from gum disease and infection, malnutrition is another possible cause of gum inflammation. Without a balanced diet, your body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to remain healthy. For example, vitamins B and C are beneficial to your teeth and gums. A deficiency in these vitamins will lead to gum swelling and inflammation.
Treating Gum Inflammation
Regardless of the cause of gum inflammation, there is treatment available. However, it is important that you seek treatment as quickly as possible to reduce the likelihood of the infection spreading.
Medications and At-Home Solutions
Depending on the severity and cause of your swollen gums, your dentist may recommend a medical rinse that you can use to reduce symptoms of infection and get rid of plaque. You might also need to use specific toothpaste to keep your gums healthy. There are over-the-counter dental flosses and gum treatment rinses that can help to keep gingivitis at bay.
In-Office Treatments
In more severe cases of gingivitis or gum infection, you will need to develop a long-term care plan with your gum disease specialist. You might need surgery to scrape away the diseased part of the gums to reduce its spread. This is known as scaling and root planing, which is one of the best ways to allow the healthy part of your gums to heal from the infection.
Prevent Swollen Gums with Professional Oral Care!
The best way to treat gum disease is to prevent it altogether. There are many steps you can take at home and at your dentist Pomona office to keep inflammation away. By changing your oral healthcare routine and eating habits, you can invest in long-term health. Reach out to our Pearl Dental experts to schedule a consultation or to learn more about the best treatment for the health of your gums. Get in touch with us today and do what’s best for your gums!
