Taking good care of your oral health is about more than just brushing your teeth. You also need to clean your gums, which are the thick pink tissues covering the bottom of your teeth. This tissue is important as it transports blood to the teeth and protects nerves from damage. If your gums have become inflamed or swollen, it means you may be dealing with an infection. Let’s look at the causes of inflamed gums.
Causes of Inflamed Gums
Untreated gum swelling can lead to a lifetime of disease. Your local dentist in Pomona will share with you the biggest causes of inflamed gums and the best treatment options available so you can reverse gum damage ASAP.
Gingivitis
Millions of dental patients are diagnosed with gingivitis every year. This irritating and painful condition is marked by bleeding when you try to brush or floss your teeth. Excessive swelling, redness, and bleeding in the gums could be a sign of gingivitis.
There are ways to treat gingivitis when the symptoms are still new. If you let this condition go untreated, it could develop into something more serious: gum disease. You can reverse the effects of gingivitis if you act quickly enough and get in touch with your local dentists for help.
Gum Disease
Also known as periodontitis, gum disease is a permanent condition that develops after untreated gingivitis advances to this stage. This is a more serious disease that can cause your gums to recede, exposing the more sensitive areas of your teeth. This could cause them to become infected or wiggle loose from the gums, falling out over time. If your gingivitis symptoms are worsening, you may be at risk for gum disease.
Additional Causes of Gum Swelling
Gingivitis and gum disease are the most common reasons for swollen gums, but there are a few other reasons as well. Take a look at some less common reasons for gum swelling:
Infection
Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can all cause an infection. The infection spreads through the blood and tissues in your body, particularly the gums. Depending on the infection you develop, you may have symptoms of swollen gums until the source of the problem can be treated.
Pregnancy
Sometimes your gums will swell during pregnancy. This is usually nothing to worry about, as the excess hormones you develop will cause different parts of your body to swell. If you have a problem with bloating and inflammation during pregnancy, consult your physician as soon as possible.
Avoid Swollen Gums
If you are worried about your gums swelling, you can practice various dental hygiene tricks to ensure that your mouth stays healthy. Here are some dental hygiene practices that you should do at home every day:
- Floss every day to get rid of plaque and particle buildup in between your teeth.
- Don’t brush too violently; make sure you cover all areas of your teeth while using the bristles gently.
- Use a special gum care formula provided by your dentist.
- Invest in enamel repair or gingivitis-protection toothpaste.
- Eat foods that contain vitamins and minerals to keep your gums strong.
- Work on de-stressing techniques to keep your body healthy and happy.
If you are worried that you are suffering from inflamed gums, be sure to get ahold of your local dental professionals ASAP.
Get Periodontal Dental Care Today
When gingivitis advances to gum disease, you will require more care and treatment from your dentist to stay on top of your oral health. Visit our office to learn more about your options for the best periodontics in Pomona. Treatment starts with diligent oral healthcare and regular visits to your dentist to avoid infection and swelling. Call us now to schedule your dental healthcare appointment!
