Swollen Gums are Common But Can Be Easily Treated
Proper oral health is an important part of life, and many people overlook the health of their gums. Swollen or inflamed gums can cause discomfort and lead to more serious health concerns. By understanding it and why they occur, people can identify their gum issues and learn how to get rid of swollen gums.
What Causes Swollen Gums?
They can be caused by many different issue and health concerns. When a person experiences them, it is important to identify the main cause of the issue so that proper treatment can be offered and it is possible to learn how to treat swollen gums. Most of the time, it is caused by one or a combination of the following issues:
- Improper Oral Hygiene Habits. Frequently, the cause of people’s inflamed gums is that they do not properly brush or floss at home. This leads to a tartar or plaque buildup on teeth and gums that can lead to serious oral problems and diseases. Also, if a person isn’t gentle enough while brushing and flossing, there is a risk for irritation and swelling as well.
- Certain medications and chemotherapy can cause gum irritation or swelling as a side effect. In these cases, it may not be possible to reverse the issue without stopping the medicine, but steps can be taken to reduce the swelling.
- Oral Diseases. Issues like periodontitis and gingivitis can lead to inflamed gums in addition to other troublesome symptoms. These oral diseases can have very detrimental results on a person’s mouth, and early detection is key for preventing further damage and reversing the condition. If oral disease is suspected as a cause of gum swelling, or if pain or blood accompanies the issue, a dentist should be contacted immediately for professional treatment.
Learn more about periodontal disease on this post
- Tobacco Use. One of the most irritating substances to gums is tobacco smoke. While most people associate tobacco use with heart disease and lung cancer, gum diseases are far more common for smokers. By reducing or eliminating cigarettes completely, people can improve the condition of their gums and overall health. For smokers, this is one of the best ways for how to reduce swelling in gums.
What are the Signs?
While healthy gums are a light pink color and smooth to the touch, inflamed gums are usually much darker, brighter or even purple in color. They may have a ridge around the teeth rather than appearing smooth, and they may bleed when brushed or flossed. Often, soreness or pain will accompany swollen gums.
How are Swollen Gums Treated by Dentists?
Dentists will assess patients’ exact situation and form a treatment plan best suited to their needs. Usually, professional treatment for how to relieve swollen gums consists of thorough cleanings and prescription rinses. The dentist will deep-clean the teeth and gums, removing any trace of plaque or tartar from their surfaces. Fluoride and other rinses help eliminate bacteria and renew a healthy balance inside the mouth.
Natural Options for Treating Swollen Gums at Home
There are many ways that people can use for how to get rid of swollen gums at home and reverse the condition. Natural treatment for it include:
- Excellent Oral Hygiene. By brushing and flossing properly at home, people can prevent or reverse many dental conditions. It is important to clean teeth and gums completely, but being too abrasive can also be harmful. Using gentle motions and soft toothbrush are the best ways to keep gums and teeth clean, and flossing eliminates the risk of problems between teeth. People should try to brush up and down or in circular patterns, but never side to side. Teeth and gums should be brushed twice a day at a minimum, but it is best to brush after each meal.
- Oral Care Products. There are several products available to help keep gums healthy and clean. Some toothpastes contain chemicals to keep gums at their best and prevent gingivitis. Other products like Dental Pro 7 are liquid toothpaste that can be uses regularly to promote gum health.
- For swollen gums that are causing pain, a warm compress may be used on the face. For general swelling reduction, a cold press should be used. Compresses are effective at temporarily reducing symptoms, but they are not long-term care options.
Preventative Care
By taking care of themselves properly, people can avoid the risk of it and other serious health concerns. Besides practicing excellent oral hygiene, people should ensure that they eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. Some of the most important nutrients for gum health include folic acid, vitamin C and calcium, so foods containing them or supplement use is encouraged. People should also quit or avoid tobacco use, and they should make sure to get plenty of sleep each night. Without enough sleep or when feeling overly stressed, the body produces the inflammatory chemical cortisol.
Anyone experiencing swollen gums needs to determine the cause of the issue and the proper way to treat it. this can be caused by a number of different issues, but many of the problems are easily reversed. Many home remedies for swollen gums or professional treatments and products like Dental Pro 7 are effective at reducing gum problems and improving overall gum health.
