When it comes to your oral health, you may think about your teeth. Stains and cavities are some you might’ve thought of, but your gums deserve attention too! They can become swollen, inflamed, or even noticeably red. However, is this necessarily something to worry about? Learn what you should know and why it may be important to visit your dentist to preserve your smile.
What Can Cause My Gums to Become Swollen?
Irritated gums may not be fun to deal with, but there are several different reasons why it could be happening. Some may only point to it being temporary, while others will need to be treated by your dentist. Here are a few culprits.
- Using tobacco can reduce blood flow in your mouth. Chewing it or smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of gum disease while making it harder for the pink soft tissues to heal effectively.
- Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause, can make your gums a bit more sensitive and inflamed.
- Early gum disease (also known as gingivitis) can occur if you have a buildup of plaque and bacteria along your gumline. It can lead to irritation and swelling.
Can My Dentist Treat My Swollen Gums?
Before you rush to your dentist, you can try some things at home to deal with your swollen gums when it’s mild. You can:
- Stick to your oral hygiene routine a bit closely to remove any plaque. Be sure to floss to get anything between your teeth as well.
- Drink water to rinse away harmful bacteria.
- Rinse with warm salt water to relieve discomfort and prevent infection.
- Use a cold compress.
However, along with your swollen gums, if you experience bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, or receding gumline, then it’s important to visit your dentist right away. If you notice these signs for a week or longer, then it can be a sign of gum disease. When it’s left untreated, you risk it threatening your teeth!
While inflamed and swollen gums can be uncomfortable to deal with, try some of the tips above. Hopefully, it’s only temporary and you find relief. That being said, if you have any worries, then it’s important to talk to your dentist. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so having your provider do an oral examination can ensure your smile stays the best it can.
About the Practice
At Smile Fitness Dental Center, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are proud to offer a wide range of services, such as gum disease treatment, so that you can get the relief you deserve. By taking care of this condition early, we can help preserve your grin from any more harm. If you are worried about your swollen gums, schedule an appointment or call our office at (623) 303-0967.