What does it mean when Gums are Puffy?
When patients think of their dental health, they often prioritize the prevention of cavities. However, it is equally important to maintain healthy gums as they play a critical role in the patient’s oral health and general health. One of the earliest signs of gum disease is gums which are swollen and bleed. There are other issues which can result in gums which are swollen or puffy. Regardless of what is causing the issues, there are fortunately solutions which can be used to treat the problem.
Gum disease is unfortunately quite prevalent for adults throughout the U.S. In most cases of gum disease, patients have gingivitis. This is early and less-severe form of gum disease. The more severe form of gum disease is called periodontitis. While it is not common, periodontitis can lead to the loss of the teeth.
When patients fail to practice good oral hygiene, it give bacteria the change to collect on the teeth and form plaque. Plaque leads to inflamed gums which can be red, swollen, and can bleed when brushing and flossing. In most cases, inflammation from gingivitis is not painful. For a positive outcome, it is critical to promptly treat gingivitis and prevent it from becoming worse. In many cases, the disease can be reversed with professional cleanings and good oral hygiene. When patients fail to treat gingivitis, it can worsen over time and result in the teeth falling out. Below are some of the common symptoms associated with gum disease:
- Bad breath or foul taste
- Bite change
- Bleeding gums
- Deep pocket formation between the teeth and gums
- Loose or wiggly teeth
- Receding gums
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
If you experience any of these symptoms, follow up with a dentist immediately. Early detection of gum disease plays a critical role in effective treatment.
Over time, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis. Periodontitis effects the gums and bone which support the teeth and keep them securely in place. The bacteria found on the teeth releases a toxic substance which can infect and damage the gums. Infection and inflammation from the bacteria can cause additional damage to the jaw bone and gums. Gums often become swollen, tender, and bleed during routine activities such as brushing or flossing. In severe cases of periodontitis, the patient may lose their teeth.
In some cases, a patient uses quite a bit of pressure when they brush their teeth. Because the gums have extremely delicate tissue, aggressive brushing can cause serious damage. Patients should always use gentle brushing strokes with soft bristles. Medium and hard bristles can damage the enamel of the teeth and irritate the gums. Patients should also use a gentle circular motion when they are cleaning their teeth. The back-and-forth motion, which is quite common, can cause irritation and damage. Aggressive brushing or firm pressure can make the gums sore, cause bleeding, and even result in receding gums.
Another important aspect of good oral hygiene is daily flossing. Flossing the teeth aids in the removal of plaque. This is especially important in areas which are hard to reach or are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. Patients should also use gentle pressure when flossing and avoid using too much force. Patients should carefully slide the floss up and down on the teeth. If a patient is new to flossing or does not do it regularly, they may experience some light bleeding.
If you have puffy or swollen gums, follow up with your dentist. They can determine the cause and work with you to ensure the issue is properly treated.