What Causes Inflamed Gums?

What causes inflamed gums?

If you want to know about inflamed gums, it maybe due to gingivitis. There are also additional factors that can contribute to inflamed gums, swollen gums, including pregnancy, malnutrition, or certain types of infections. Depending on the cause, there are several possible ways to help treat and prevent swollen gums.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common reason of swollen and inflamed gums. It’s a gum disease that causes your gums to become inlamed and swollen. Many people don’t know they have gingivitis because the symptoms can be quite mild. However, if it’s left untreated, gingivitis can eventually lead to a much more serious condition called periodontitis and possible tooth loss.

Gingivitis is most often the result of poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque to build up on the gum line and teeth. Plaque is composed of bacteria and food particles deposited on the teeth over time and eventually becoming tartar. Tartar is hardened plaque, which can’t be removed with flossing and brushing alone. This is when you need to see a dental professional, as tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis.

When gingivitis is not treated in a quickly, it can progress to a more serious type of gum disease known as periodontitis. Treating inflamed gums is very important for your long-term oral health.

Pregnancy and swollen gums

Swollen gums can occur during pregnancy due to the rush of hormones the body produces during pregnancy. The hormones from pregnancy can increase blood flow causing gums to be more easily irritated and inflamed.

Hormones during your pregnancy can reduce the body’s ability to fight off bacteria that causes gum infections. This can increase your chance of developing gingivitis.

Malnutrition

Being vitamin deficient, especially vitamins B and C, can cause gum swelling. If your vitamin C levels drop too low, you could develop scurvy. Scurvy can cause anemia and gum disease.

Infections and what causes inflamed gums

Infections can cause swollen gums from fungi and viruses. If you have herpes, it could lead to a condition called acute herpetic gingivostomatitis, which causes swollen gums. The most common cause of inflammation is gum disease. More than half of American adults experiencing early gum disease, inflamed gums are a common ailment. Depending on the severity of inflamed gums, you may be suffering from one of two types of gum disease. It’s important to treat the disease to avoid further progression.

How to get rid of inflamed gums?

Inflamed gums can quite easily be treated to reverse early gum disease. If your gums are swollen for more than 2 weeks, you should talk with a dentist. The dentist will ask questions about when your symptoms began and how often they occur.

Home care for inflamed gums

  • Brush at least twice a day and floss regularly. Brush with a toothpaste that is for sensitive, brush less vigorously to avoid damaging the tissue around your teeth. Be gentle when flossing to avoid inflamed gums.
  • Use an anti-gingivitis toothpaste or mouthwash that can reach and neutralize the plaque found around the gum line
  • Improve your nutrition. Eating a well-balanced diet can contribute to better gum health.
  • Keep your stress level which can impact hormone levels leading to inflammation and swollen gums. Try to de-stress as much as possible.

When to see a dentist

If you have questions about inflamed gums, be sure to visit your dentist for treatment recommendations. Your dental professional can help pinpoint the specific cause of the inflammation and help you get to better gum health. The good news is that you don’t have to live with inflamed gums, since there are numerous ways to treat it.

Call the dentists at Stonelodge Dental if you want to know what causes inflamed gums or swollen gums. If  you would like more information,  schedule an appointment online call 214-613-1500 today.