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Swollen Gums: Possible Causes And Treatments

Gingivitis can have various reasons, which in most cases are caused by a lack of oral and dental hygiene.

Gingivitis is often caused by inflammation of the gums and other factors such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal changes, or infection. According to the cause of gingivitis, there are different treatment methods for it.

Proper oral and dental hygiene can prevent gingivitis.Swollen gums are usually red, tender, or painful. In this situation, your gums may bleed easily when you brush your teeth. If you have swollen gums, you should see a dentist.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Normally, the gums should be pink and fit well around the teeth. But in some cases, the gums may go out of their normal state. Gingivitis usually causes the following changes along the gum line:

Gum puffing

The gum colour changed to dark red

Unexplained gum bleeding

Bad Breath

Receded or sensitive gums

Home Remedies for Gingivitis

The best home remedies to reduce gingivitis are:

A mixture of water and salt

Rinsing the mouth with water and salt can help oral hygiene. This mixture acts as an antibacterial solution and destroys the bacteria inside the mouth. It may also help reduce swelling.

Hot and cold compresses

Hot and cold compresses can reduce the pain and swelling of the gums. Alternating the use of hot and cold compresses is an effective method.

Turmeric gel

Turmeric gel contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric gel can prevent plaque and gum inflammation. Gingivitis is one of the common causes of gum swelling.

Red, painful or swollen gums should be thoroughly rinsed with water and a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. 

Gingivitis

Various factors cause swelling and inflammation of the gums, including:

Gingivitis or periodontitis

Gingivitis is the most common cause of swollen gums. If plaque is formed on the gum line and teeth, it can turn into a mass over time and may lead to gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, it turns into a more serious infection called periodontal disease.

Also, food particles and plaque may get stuck under the gum line and cause infection or inflammation of the gums.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause significant changes in hormone levels. These changes may increase blood flow in the gums and cause swelling of the gums. Hormonal changes can also reduce the body’s ability to fight bacteria that cause gingivitis.

Infection

Oral infections caused by fungi and viruses can cause swelling of the gums. Complications of infected teeth such as tooth abscesses may also lead to gingivitis.

Brushing and flossing with high pressure

Extra pressure does not make teeth and gums cleaner but only causes gum pain. Use soft, circular motions when brushing. When flossing, gently slide the floss up and down each tooth.

ther possible causes

Gingivitis can have other causes. Including:

Side effects caused by taking some drugs

Malnutrition

Allergies to food products, such as ingredients in toothpaste or mouthwash

Using improper dental floss, dental veneers, or other improper dental appliances

In all cases, the dentist diagnoses the cause of gingivitis by examining the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

Treatment of Gingivitis

 

If you have gingivitis, you should see a dentist immediately. Use a toothbrush, dental floss and mouthwash. In most cases, gingivitis can be resolved with these measures, otherwise, you should visit a dentist.

The gingivitis treatment plan after visiting the dentist probably includes the following:

Full mouth radiograph

A blood test to check the deficiency of certain substances or the presence of an infection

Prescribing mouthwash or antibiotics

In most cases, these measures are enough to diagnose the cause of swelling and treat it. But in some cases, when gum inflammation is severe, surgery may be required.

Gum surgery is not very invasive. The dentist removes all the gingivitis and the masses in the depth of the gum.

Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce oral discomfort. Usually, the use of over-the-counter pain relievers along with gargling with salt and water solution helps to improve the patient’s condition to a great extent.

However, you should be careful that taking painkillers and home remedies is usually a temporary solution to reduce pain and you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

Prevent Gum Swelling

 

Preventative measures are very important to prevent pain and inflammation of the gums in the long term.

Maintain good oral hygiene

Brush and floss every day. Maintaining oral and dental hygiene prevents gum swelling.

Use a mild toothpaste

To avoid gum irritation, you should choose a toothpaste that suits your condition. You can talk to your dentist about this.

Use mouthwash

Mouthwash containing alcohol can increase inflammation. But non-alcoholic mouthwashes can eliminate bacteria in the mouth and improve your oral hygiene.

Visit the dentist regularly

If you visit the dentist regularly for examination, you can prevent gingivitis. The doctor can study the problems ahead and advise you on preventive measures.

Quit smoking

To avoid further irritation of the gums, it is better to quit smoking. This will not only help your oral health but also your heart, lungs and skin.

Have a balanced diet

Avoid consuming too much sugar and make sure your diet contains the nutrients you need to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A balanced and healthy diet helps maintain the health of the body, including the mouth.

General points

In some cases, gingivitis is caused by an underlying disease, so if it does not go away on its own after a short period of time with the help of home remedies, you should see a dentist.

Gingivitis looks scary and may be painful and uncomfortable, but it is a treatable condition. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Treatment methods may vary from gargling with a mixture of water and salt to the use of antibiotics or, in some severe cases, surgery.

In any case, to prevent this problem in the first place, you should pay attention to your oral and dental hygiene. But do not worry if you have gingivitis, because it is a treatable problem.

Frequently asked questions

What Should Be Done for Gingivitis?

Immediate treatment of gingivitis:

Gently floss and brush to clean the affected area.

Rinse your mouth with a mixture of water and salt to kill bacteria.

Use a warm compress to reduce gum pain.

Use a cold compress to reduce gum swelling.

Drink plenty of water to stimulate saliva secretion.

If these treatments do not help to improve your condition, see a dentist as soon as possible.

How Many Days Does Gingivitis Heal?

Gingivitis is a common problem and in most cases, it is nothing to worry about. But if gingivitis lasts more than 2 days, it may be caused by an underlying problem such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or tooth abscess.

What Makes Gingivitis Worse?

Avoid alcohol and tobacco because these products can irritate the gums and increase swelling.

What Causes Gum Swelling?

The longer the plaques remain on the teeth, the more they cause irritation and inflammation of the gums. Over time, the gums swell and bleed easily. This condition may also cause tooth decay.

Can Stress Cause Gingivitis?

Research has proven that long-term stress weakens the immune system. This condition reduces the body’s ability to fight infections. As a result, the risk of developing problems such as bleeding and gum inflammation increases.

Does Gingivitis Heal by Itself?

 

Gum pain is usually a sign of a bigger problem, and if it doesn’t last more than a few days, it could be due to hormonal changes or a simple pest.

Why Do The Gums Around The Teeth Swell?

When the gum around the tooth becomes swollen, it usually indicates an infection. This condition is called tooth abscess, which can be very painful. If left untreated, the infection may spread and cause more serious problems.

(11/04/2024)
by Silverhill Dental

More Information: https://silverhilldental.com/swollen-gums-possible-causes-and-treatments/

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