Gum Swollen Around One Tooth
While it may seem odd that only one gum around a tooth is swollen, it’s actually not that strange. The reason for your gum being swollen around one tooth is similar to the reason why your gums would be swollen around multiple teeth.
What Causes Swollen Gums?
There are a few different reasons why your gum around one tooth may be swollen. These reasons include:
- Gum disease. With a buildup of plaque often comes gum disease. This is caused by bacteria, which in turn leads to your gum swelling. If the issue isn’t addressed, this can eventually lead to periodontitis.
- Abscess. If you have an untreated cavity, you may end up with an abscess. Along with the swollen gum, you also may notice pain, a swollen jaw and even a fever.
- Improper oral hygiene. By not taking care of your oral hygiene, you run the risk of tooth decay and infection of your gums.
- Canker sores. Canker sores are painful sores that can lead to swelling of the gums. If you have a canker sore it may be causing a small area of your gums to swell.
How Do I Fix My Swollen Gum?
If you find that you have one or more swollen gums, you’ll want to make sure you address the issue. Here are some things you can do to address your swollen gum:
- Rinse with saltwater. Saltwater has been shown to help when it comes to swelling and inflammation that is due to gingivitis.
- Turmeric. A recent study showed that turmeric gel may help with the prevention of gingivitis and plaque buildup.
- Brush and floss regularly. Make sure you continue to brush, floss and rinse twice a day, every day. If you aren’t already doing this, now is as good a time as any to start!
- Consider a softer toothbrush. While having one gum swollen may not be due to your toothbrush, if multiple gums are swelling and bleeding you may want to consider a softer bristle toothbrush.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet helps to lessen plaque buildup, and it protects you from cavities. Also, the right vitamins like C and B help with gum health. Make sure you are eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins to ensure the ongoing health of your gums.
Visit Your Dentist
It’s important to visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. If you don’t already have one scheduled, make sure you schedule one soon. If you notice your gum is swelling and the tips above don’t solve the issue, set an appointment with your dentist so they can take a look at your gums and your teeth. From there, they can determine what the issue is and help to address it.
Take good care of your teeth and gums, and set an appointment with your dentist for your next cleaning if you don’t have one.