Swollen gums can be caused by improper oral hygiene, smoking, chemotherapy, mouth sores, and hormonal changes. Gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, can also cause swollen gums and lead to tooth loss and health problems. Soft bristle toothbrushes and proper brushing techniques can help prevent swollen gums. It’s important to see a dentist if you have swollen gums.
Swollen gums are not only unsightly, but they can be an early symptom of gum disease. However, gum disease isn’t the only cause of swollen gums. The condition can also be caused by improper oral hygiene techniques, irritation from smoking, or chemotherapy. Mouth sores and hormonal changes can also be the cause. Working with a dentist can help people determine the reason for swollen gums.
In an effort to properly clean their teeth, many people use poor brushing and flossing techniques. Gum tissue is soft and can be easily irritated by overzealous brushing and flossing, resulting in swelling of the gums. To prevent this from happening, many dentists recommend using soft bristle toothbrushes and brushing your teeth in a circular motion. People concerned about their flossing and brushing habits should speak to their dentist or dental hygienist for instruction in the best way to clean their teeth.
Gum disease, such as gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis, is often characterized by swollen gums. Gingivitis is caused by the development of plaque on the teeth which irritates the gums and causes them to swell, bleed and eventually recede from the teeth. When the gums recede, pockets can form between the gum and the tooth where food and bacteria can enter, exacerbating the problem and eventually turning into periodontitis.
Because gingivitis is often painless, at least in its early stages, many people are unaware of the condition. Unfortunately, this can have serious consequences as the bacterial infection gets worse and can spread from the gums to the teeth and jaw. This can cause tooth loss. The infection can also spread in the bloodstream, which can cause harm to a person’s overall health. For this reason, swollen gums should be brought to the attention of a dentist.
Other causes of swollen gums include irritation inside the mouth. Smoking and chewing tobacco, for example, can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. Mouth ulcers, such as canker sores or ulcers caused by chemotherapy, can also cause swollen gums, as can medications. Birth control pills, for example, cause hormonal changes that can result in swollen and bleeding gums. Similarly, many people find that other types of hormonal changes, such as those experienced by teenagers or pregnant, menstruating, or menopausal women, can cause increased gum sensitivity. For this reason it is especially important for adolescents and pregnant women to take good care of their teeth to avoid damage caused by irritation and gum disease.
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