What Does It Mean When Gums are Puffy?
Puffy (swollen) gums can be extremely irritating. This is especially so if they begin to bleed. While puffy gums may start off as a minor inconvenience, over time they may be a cause for concern. Not only can the issues that cause puffy gums affect your gums, but sooner or later they also may affect your teeth. You even run the risk of losing your teeth!
Here are some things to consider when you notice your gums becoming puffy…
Why Are My Gums Puffy?
Puffy gums may be easily resolved, but they also may require medical attention. Here are some of the possible reasons your gums are swollen…
- Gingivitis. A very common cause of swollen and puffy gums is gingivitis. Gingivitis (gum disease) is caused by plaque on the gumline. As this plaque hardens, it becomes tartar. Untreated, gingivitis can advance and become periodontitis. Once it gets to this stage, you risk losing your teeth.
- Brushing too hard. One cause of puffy gums that is extremely easy to address is brushing too hard. While you definitely want to make sure your teeth and gums are clean, brushing too hard can lead to your gums getting irritated and damaged. Make sure you are gentle when you are brushing your teeth to avoid puffy gums.
- Canker sores. Canker sores are a painful ailment that can lead to swelling of the gums.
- Pregnancy. Due to the increase in hormones, pregnant women may find that their gums swell. It’s important to take especially good care of your oral health if you are pregnant.
- Malnutrition. While you may be eating plenty of food, if you aren’t eating the right food you may be malnourished. Vitamins like B and C are important for the health of your gums.
How Do I Fix Puffy Gums?
Depending on what is causing your gums to become swollen and puffy, there are different solutions. Here are some things you can do to address your puffy gums…
- Brush gently. While it’s important to keep your gums and teeth clean, make sure you aren’t brushing so hard that you are damaging your gums. Also, consider a softer brush.
- Brush, floss and rinse regularly. To avoid gingivitis and other oral health problems, make sure you are brushing, flossing and rinsing regularly. This means twice a day minimum, every day.
- Eat a proper diet. Make sure you are eating vegetables and fruits to ensure you are getting the vitamins you need to protect your gums.
When to Visit Your Dentist
It’s important to visit your dentist for a checkup a couple of times a year. They can catch oral health issues early this way, and they can help to clear away plaque that has built up. If you find that your gums have been bleeding for a couple of weeks or multiple times throughout the month, make sure you schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can check out your teeth and gums to address the issue.