How to Get Rid of Swollen Gums?
The gums play a critical role in a patient’s oral health. Swollen gums can be quite uncomfortable and bulge out. In many cases, the swelling is most prevalent in the area where the gum and teeth meet. In cases of severe swelling, the gums may cover portions of the teeth. It is common for swollen gums to also be red. Swollen gums may also be more prone to bleeding during brushing and flossing. In this article, we discuss common causes for swollen gums and various treatment options.
Pregnancy
Woman who are pregnant can be more prone to swollen gums due to their pregnancy hormones. These hormones can increase blood flow, sensitivity, cause irritation, and result in swollen gums. The hormonal changes which occur during pregnancy can impair the body’s ability to fight off infection caused by bacteria. Pregnant women are also at an increased risk for developing gingivitis.
Infections
In some cases, an infection is caused by a virus or fungus. Patients with herpes may be susceptible to acute herpetic gingivostomatitis. This condition can result in swollen gums. Another common cause for swollen gums is thrush. Thrush occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. When dental decay or caries is not treated, it can cause swelling of the gums and dental abscesses.
Gingivitis
One of the most common causes for swollen gums is gum disease or gingivitis Common symptoms of gingivitis includes swollen and irritated gums. Because the symptoms are relatively mild, many patients do not even know they have the disease. When gingivitis remains untreated, it can progress into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. In severe periodontitis, patients can lose their teeth.
In most cases, gingivitis is caused by neglect and poor oral hygiene. Patients who fail to practice good oral hygiene allow for plaque to accumulate on the teeth and gums. Plaque which is not properly removed can turn into tartar which is extremely difficult to remove at home. The buildup of tartar over time can cause gingivitis.
Treatment
If a patient experiences swollen gums which persist for more than two weeks, they should schedule an appointment with their dentist. The dentist can help identify the cause and make a plan for treatment. The dentist may request X-rays to identify what is causing the swelling. Patients should discuss their medical history, habits, medications, and any recent changes. Dentist may also order blood work to determine the presence of any infection.
The dentist may even prescribe the patient with an oral rinse to eliminate plaque and help prevent gingivitis. Some special types of toothpaste may also be recommended. In cases where infection is present, antibiotics may be needed.
Severe cases of gingivitis may require surgery for treatment. A common treatment for treating gingivitis is called scaling and root planing. During this procedure, the dentist scrapes away gums which have disease, plaque, tartar, and calculus. Once these things are removed, the gums can properly heal.
Some common at-home remedies for relieving swollen gums include the following:
- Drinking water to aid in the production of saliva which naturally cleans the mouth
- Use of a saltwater rinse to eliminate bacteria
- Soft toothbrush, sensitive toothpaste, and gentle motions when brushing and flossing
- Avoid using strong mouthwashes which often contain alcohol
- Minimise or stop consumption alcohol and use of tobacco which can irritate gums
Follow up with the dentist if you have swollen gums which are persistent or do not improve after a few weeks. Gums which are chronically swollen should not be ignored as they often indicate an underlying issue, such as gum disease, which requires treatment.