Puffy or Bleeding Inflamed Gums
Having inflamed, swollen gums can be seriously uncomfortable. Most frequently caused by gum disease, inflammation can also result from improper flossing or brushing, hormone changes, tobacco use, certain medications, and dental hardware irritation.
More than half of American adults are suffering from early gum disease so gum inflammation, is a common ailment. Based on the severity of their gum inflammation, patients could be dealing with one of two forms of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis is relatively mild and affects millions of Americans annually. A common sign of gingivitis is gum inflammation and the presence of blood when flossing or brushing. Gingivitis itself is not serious but if left untreated, the disease can progress leading to further issues.
- Periodontitis: If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Once periodontitis develops, gum inflammation worsens, becomes more painful, and the teeth may start coming loose since the tissue holding them in place has become damaged. Promptly treating periodontitis and inflamed gums is vital to long-term oral health.
How to Treat Inflamed Gums
Modify brushing technique: When it comes to brushing, harder it not better! Over-aggressive brushing can damage and inflame the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Dental experts recommend brushing with soft bristled toothbrushes using a gentle back and forth motion to prevent gum damage.
- Floss regularly: It is well established that food particles trapped between the teeth can lead to plaque and tartar build-up. Flossing is a great method for removing the food particles but just like brushing, should not be too forceful or gum inflammation can occur. Instead of forcing it down, carefully slide dental floss between the teeth when flossing to avoid gum damage.
- Rinse regularly: Food particles can become trapped between the teeth after eating so rinsing the mouth after a snack or meal can help remove the debris. Rinsing can also help clear away the plaque causing carbohydrates that can cause gum disease. While water alone can be somewhat effective in removing debris, mouthwashes can also be beneficial in neutralizing plaque and reducing the early stages of gum diseases such as gingivitis.
- Change toothpaste: Patients suffering from swollen gums may consider changing the type of toothpaste they are using. Anti-gingivitis toothpaste, such as Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean, reaches and neutralizes plaque around the gumline to combat gum issues before they begin. Plaque causing bacteria can also damage the tooth enamel leaving it weakened and susceptible to decay. Toothpastes formulated to repair enamel, can help combat gum and enamel issues while keeping the mouth clean and healthy.
- Improve nutrition: Just as it is important to overall health, eating a balanced diet of nutrient rich foods contributes to better gum health. To minimize the likelihood of gum swelling, ensure adequate Vitamin C and calcium are consumed.
- Rest and relaxation: Having high stress levels can negatively impact hormones, particularly cortisol. Because cortisol can lead to inflammation and gum swelling, patients should ensure they are getting plenty of rest and taking steps to de-stress to the fullest extent possible.
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