Puffy or Bleeding Inflamed Gums
Swollen and inflamed gums can often cause serious discomfort and pain. While gum disease is the most common cause of inflamed gums, other things such as incorrect brushing or flossing, use of tobacco, chemotherapy, and other factors can also cause the issue. More than half of adult Americans experience early signs of gum disease, and inflamed gums are a common symptom. Based the how severe your inflamed gums are, it may be caused by two of the following types of gum disease:
- Gingivitis – This is an early and milder form of gum disease which impacts millions of Americans. A common sign of gum disease includes inflamed gums which possibly bleed when brushing or flossing. While gingivitis is not considered to be serious, it is vital to treat the disease right away and avoid the disease from progressing.
- Periodontitis – In cases where gingivitis is not promptly treated, it can progress into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. With periodontitis, the gums inflammation is more painful and the teeth may even start to become loose. At this stage, periodontitis begins to damage the tissue which secures the teeth in place.
Treatment
With early intervention, inflamed gums can be treated and early gum disease can be reversed. The following steps can aid in the treatment of gum inflammation and help ensure your mouth is healthy:
- Brushing: Ensure you are using proper technique for brushing your teeth. Avoid vigorous brushing which can damage the tissue surrounding your teeth and inflame the gums. It is also recommended to use a soft toothbrush to prevent gum damage. Use a gentle brushing motion to ensure the teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
- Flossing: Flossing the teeth regularly removes food particles which can cause the build-up of plaque and tartar build-up. When plaque and tarter are not removed, it can lead to gum disease and inflamed gums. Carefully slide the floss between the teeth and do not force it down which can damage the gums.
- Rinsing: Rinsing your mouth aids in removing food particles, debris, and carbohydrates which cause plaque and result in gum disease. It is helpful to rinse your mouth out after consuming food.
- Toothpaste: If you have sensitive teeth, try using a sensitive formula toothpaste.
- Anti-gingivitis toothpaste: Some patients may benefit from a specialized anti-gingivitis toothpaste which aids in neutralizing plaque and provides a deep clean. This helps to prevent gum issues. Harmful plaque bacteria located near the gum line can weaken the enamel. A healthy mouth begins with healthy gums.
- Nutritious Diet: Eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet to improve your overall gum health. It is important to get adequate amounts of Vitamin C and calcium. These vitamins help prevent patients from experiencing swollen gums.
- Stress relief: When patients experience high levels of stress, it can impact their hormone levels. More specifically, the hormone cortisol can be effected. Cortisol can cause inflammation and swollen gums.
- If you suffer from inflamed gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist. The dentist can aid in identifying the underlying cause for the inflammation and find a treatment plan to restore the health of your gums. There are numerous ways to treat inflamed gums to ensure you don’t need to live with the discomfort.
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