Inflamed Gums: Causes & Treatments for Gum Swelling

If you have swollen, inflamed gums, you know they can lead to serious discomfort. The most common cause of inflammation is gum disease, but improper brushing or flossing, tobacco use, chemotherapy, hormone changes, and irritation from dental hardware can also play a role.

With more than 50 percent of American adults experiencing early gum disease, inflamed gums are a common ailment. Depending on the severity of inflamed gums, you may be suffering from one of two types of gum disease:

• Gingivitisingivitis: An early and relatively mild form of gum disease, gingivitis affects millions of Americans each year. One of the most common signs of gum disease is inflamed gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. While gingivitis isn’t serious, it’s important to treat the disease to avoid further progression.
• Periodontitis: When gingivitis is not treated in a timely manner, it can progress to the more serious type of gum disease known as Periodontitis. At this point, inflamed gums are more painful and your teeth may begin coming loose. That’s because periodontitis has started to damage the tissue that is holding your teeth in place. Treating inflamed gums and periodontitis is very important for your long-term oral health.

Inflamed gums can quite easily be treated to reverse early gum disease. You can start treating the inflammation by taking the following steps to get your gums and mouth back in good health.

• Brush up on your brushing technique. Brush less vigorously to avoid damaging the tissue around your teeth, which can inflame gums. Also, experts recommend using a brush with soft, nylon bristles to prevent gum damage. Finally, be sure to use a gentle back and forth brushing motion.
• Floss diligently. Flossing removes food particles that remain in between your teeth and can cause plaque and tartar build-up, both of which can lead to gum disease and inflamed gums. Also, be gentle when flossing to avoid inflamed gums. Carefully slide the floss between your teeth rather than forcing it down and causing damage to your gums.
• Rinse regularly. Rinsing your mouth helps remove food particles and debris, as well as the carbohydrates that cause plaque and can lead to gum disease. So, no matter where you are, it helps to rinse your mouth after each meal or snack. It’s also important to have a mouthwash specially formulated for your gums – try adding Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Mouthwash to your oral care routine. It helps neutralize plaque bacteria and reduce early signs of gum disease like gingivitis.
• Brush with a gum care formula If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you can try brushing with a Crest Gum and Sensitivity toothpaste. The unique formula gets right to the source of the issue by treating your gums for fast relief. Since a healthy mouth starts at the gum line, attention to this area is key.
• Use an anti-gingivitis toothpaste. Consider using a toothpaste like Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean that can reach and neutralize the plaque found around the gum line and help treat gum issues before they start. Harmful plaque bacteria around the gum line can even lead to weakened enamel – try Crest Gum and Enamel Repair to treat your gum and enamel issues.
• Improve your nutrition. Eating a well-balanced diet can contribute to better gum health. Be sure to get plenty of Vitamin C and calcium, which can minimize the likelihood of experiencing swollen gums.
• De-Stress. High levels of stress can impact your hormone levels, particularly the hormone cortisol. Cortisol can lead to inflammation and possibly swollen gums. Try to de-stress as much as possible.

Finally, if you do suffer from inflamed gums, be sure to visit your dentist for treatment recommendations. Your dental professional can help pinpoint the specific cause of the inflammation and help you get to better gum health. The good news is that you don’t have to live with inflamed gums, since there are numerous ways to treat it.

Source:

1. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-problem-basics-sore-swollen-and-bleeding-gums#1