How to Get Rid of Swollen Gums?
The gums are made up of fibrous tissue, full of blood vessels and solid enough to support the teeth for a lifetime of chewing, biting and tearing food. If there is any irritation or infection, they can quickly swell or redden simply because the excess blood can't go anywhere else.
Because of the swelling, the gums, from pink and healthy, turn red and sensitive, resulting in pain when brushing and flossing.
The gums play a fundamental role in keeping the mouth healthy, and the more you know about the causes of redness and swelling, the better you can defend yourself and keep your mouth healthy.
One of the main reasons for swollen gums is gingivitis. Gingivitis refers to inflammation that affects the tissues that support the teeth. The inflammation is a discreet onset and only affects the gums, but when it is not treated, it becomes more severe and spreads to the bones and ligaments of the tooth, becoming periodontitis.
This pathology is mainly due to the accumulation of bacteria at the base of the teeth, the bacterial plaque of the teeth. It is a whitish-colored material, which is deposited daily on the teeth, and is made up of leftover food, saliva and, as the name suggests, bacteria. When not removed with a toothbrush or floss, it builds up on the teeth and becomes more difficult to remove.
Hormonal changes, smoking, lack of calcium, alcohol consumption, and gum lesions can also increase the risk of this condition.
Symptoms not to be overlooked:
- As mentioned above, the disease is rather silent at first. The stage of gingivitis shows quite discreet signs such as bleeding gums when brushing the teeth, swollen gums and a deep red color and bad breath.
- This phenomenon will gradually develop to pass from gingivitis to periodontitis, which is more serious. When the bone that supports the tooth is degraded, disorders such as tooth mobility or even loss will follow.
- Early stage gum disease can be treated easily, but at an advanced stage it can have serious consequences and can even affect overall health, increasing the risk of dental abscesses and lung infections.
Therefore, it is important to take care of your teeth by having impeccable oral hygiene. If the damage has been done and you notice any of the symptoms listed above, you should see a dentist immediately to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Swollen gums: what to do?
Here are some easy tips to try to try to keep the pain and discomfort associated with swollen and red gums under control:
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth gently and flossing every day
- Rinse with water and salt to help temporarily reduce swelling of the gums
- Eat cold and soft foods
- Go to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Plaque build up can cause swollen gums, so oftentimes, a good cleaning will help
Remember: See a doctor or dentist if you have swollen and red gums. Before trying self-medication remedies, it is always a good rule to consult a professional, even if a good daily oral hygiene regimen and regular checkups can only help.
Having swollen and red gums can be annoying; but by turning to a dentist and determining the causes and the best remedy to take, you will immediately be better and soon you will return to having a healthy and happy mouth.