How to Get Rid of Swollen Gums?
Swollen gums can be anywhere between an eyesore and a painful and serious problem. When you notice your gums puffing up and even bleeding, you’ll want to consider why your gums are swollen and how you can best address this issue.
Why Are My Gums Swollen?
There are a few reasons why your gums may be swollen. These include:
- Gingivitis. Gingivitis is one of the most common reasons for swollen gums. This is a disease that is generally caused by poor hygiene, and involves a plaque buildup on the gumline that leads to swelling and irritation. The plaque is made up of bacteria and food particles. Over time, this plaque becomes tartar. This, in turn, leads to gingivitis. If not treated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis—which is a major issue.
Malnutrition. With our access to food, it may seem odd that someone can be malnourished. Even though a patient may be eating plenty of food, they may not be getting the nutrients they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy. A vitamin C and vitamin B deficiency can lead to scurvy, which in turn can lead to gum disease. - Infection. There are a variety of different infections that can lead to swollen gums, including herpes. There is also thrush, dental decay and more. These infections often cause swollen gums.
- Pregnancy. With all of the hormones in the body that are produced during pregnancy, a patient may notice swelling of the gums. While this in itself isn’t bad, pregnancy can make it more difficult for your body to get rid of the bacteria that causes infection. Take extra care while pregnant to avoid oral health issues.
How Do I Fix Swollen Gums?
How you fix your swollen gums depends on what is causing your gums to swell to begin with. Here are a few things you can do to address your swollen gums…
- Brush, floss and rinse. The easiest thing you can do to avoid swelling and to address swollen gums is to make sure you are brushing, flossing and rinsing regularly. This will help to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- Eat a balanced diet. As a vitamin deficiency can lead to swollen gums, make sure you are eating a balanced diet.
- Regular cleanings. It’s important to visit your dentist for regular cleanings. These visits help to address plaque buildup and allow your dentist to check for any oral health issues that may be occurring.
Visit Your Dentist
If you notice your gums are bleeding and/or swelling for an extended period of time (generally around two weeks), you’ll want to visit your dentist. Your dentist can then check your teeth and gums to see what is causing your gums to swell and bleed. If you have gum disease, it’s best that it is caught early. Don’t wait for it to get worse!
Schedule a visit with your dentist today if your gums are swelling and/or bleeding.