Gum Swollen around One Tooth
Patients can experience swollen gums throughout their mouth, in a specific area, or around an individual tooth. A swollen gum surround a tooth is more common than many people think and can be associated with various conditions. The most common causes for swollen gums are poor oral hygiene practices or neglect, abscesses, and gum disease.
Oral Hygiene and Neglect
Patients who fail to maintain good oral hygiene often accumulate a great deal of food debris. As food debris accumulates, it commonly causes tooth decay and gum inflammation. Over time, this can slowly lead to gum disease and in severe cases, result in tooth loss. Signs of poor dental hygiene practices include the following:
- Bad breath or foul taste in the mouth
- Bleeding of the gums during routine activities
- Loose or wiggly teeth
- Pale or red gums
- Pus around the teeth
- Swollen gums
Abscess
Abscesses found in the mouth are typically a result of untreated cavities. Common symptoms associated with an abscessed tooth can include discomfort, swollen gums, swollen jaw, and fever. Patients who may have an abscessed tooth should schedule an appointment with the dentist right away to ensure the infection is promptly treated. When the infection remains untreated, it has the potential to spread to the jawbone and cause serious complications, which may be permanent.
Gum Disease
Bacteria in the mouth which is not managed or effectively removed can infect the gum tissue which supports the teeth. The resulting infection can cause inflammation and ultimately result in periodontal disease. The following are common signs of gum disease:
- Gums which are tender or bleed
- Loose or mobile teeth
- Pockets where the gums pull away from the teeth
- Sensitivity
Even the healthiest mouths contain certain levels of bacteria. Bacteria combined with mucus can allow for plaque to form. Plaque can typically be removed with brushing and flossing. Plaque which is not properly removed can harden over time and become tartar. Tartar is quite difficult to remove at home without a professional cleaning at the dentist.
The buildup of plaque and tartar can slowly progress into gum disease. The earliest form of gum disease is called gingivitis. It is typically associated with gums that are red, swollen, and bleed. Gingivitis which is left untreated can progress into periodontitis. This is the more severe form of gum disease and common symptoms include bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, sensitivity, discomfort when chewing, loose teeth, and even the loss of teeth.
The gums can begin to pull away from the teeth. This allows easy access for the bacteria to cause an infection. Severe cases of gum disease causes damage to the soft tissues and supporting bone which secures the teeth in place.
The following factors increase a patients risk for periodontal disease: smoking, diabetes, AIDS, stress, heredity, crooked teeth, defective fillings, medications that which dry out the mouth.
Prevention
Swollen gums can often be prevented through good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene includes brushing the teeth at least twice each day, flossing daily, and regular visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning and examination.
Swollen gums which do not improve over time should be taken seriously as they can indicate a more serious issue. Patients with chronic swollen gums should follow up with their dentist to determine the cause for their swelling and work together to ensure the issue is effectively treated.