Gum Swollen around One Tooth
Occasionally, people may notice swelling of the gums around a tooth. This type of gum inflammation can have several causes. When the gums swell, the causes are usually harmless. Regardless, it is important to diagnose and treat swollen gums and other related diseases right away.
What are swollen gums?
Swollen gums are slightly red in color and are the first signs of periodontal disease. Protruding gums and bleeding gums are also not uncommon and indicate an acute inflammation of the gums (periodontitis). If the swelling is around just one tooth, there are a variety of issues that could be at play.
How do swollen gums develop?
Swelling of the gums is a sign of inflammation. When your gums are swollen, fluid is stored in the tissue, causing swelling or puffiness where the tooth meets the gum.
Triggers of swelling can be:
- a traumatic tooth accident or injury
- Edema
- Bleeding
- Fistulas on the gums
- Cysts or granulomas
- Gum disease
The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Usually there is no pain here. In gingivitis, plaque bacteria attack the gums' border cells and can even lead to their loosening. Germs penetrate the soft gums and lead to painful inflammation. The gums are then red and swollen. If the inflammation has progressed to the jawbone, it is called periodontal disease. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss. Patients with chronic gingivitis often suffer from unpleasant bad breath. A secretion often emerges from the gum pockets.
What are the causes of swollen gums?
Swollen gums can have a number of causes. However, poor or excessive oral hygiene is often responsible for swelling of the gums. But serious diseases such as periodontal disease can also cause swelling of the gums. Likewise, swollen gums also occur after dental treatments and in babies and expectant mothers during pregnancy.
Oral hygiene: Inflammation of the gums and plaque build-up
In children and adults, poor oral hygiene is often a cause of inflammation of the gums. Additionally, pressing too hard with a toothbrush can also cause swelling of the gums. When brushing your teeth and eating, there is often light bleeding. The protection of the jaw and tooth root against invading bacteria is only given to a limited extent.
After dental treatments
After extensive dental treatments, such as a surgical procedure such as a root canal or the extraction of teeth and wisdom teeth, the gums can swell and become inflamed.
However, the symptoms are usually short-lived and normal after complicated procedures. They usually go away on their own after a few days. Otherwise, it is imperative to seek dental advice.
In babies and children
Swelling of the gums is also found in babies and young children. Babies start teething by the sixth month. This leads to tension in the jawbone and the gums swell. Itching and pain then cause the little ones a lot to create, they become whining, restless and sleep poorly. Sometimes there is even a fever.
During pregnancy
Swollen gums in pregnancy
Bleeding, swollen gums are common during pregnancy. As the hormone level is increased during pregnancy, the oral mucosa is supplied with more blood. The otherwise firm tissue structure loosens and bacteria can penetrate the gums and promote inflammation.
Canker sores
The causes of canker sores have not yet been conclusively researched. Many different factors can be considered as triggers for the painful inflammation. There may be genetic reasons, but the patient's psychological well-being also often plays a role here. Stress and a weakened immune system can cause canker sores.