Without a doubt, it’s not fun to deal with puffy gum tissue. The issue can ruin your smile’s good looks, cause aches and sensitivity, and more. But should you genuinely worry about your swollen gums, or should you see them as harmless? Your Washington, DC dentist is here to address this very question for you. So, here’s a primer on the causes of swollen gums, their home remedies, and when they need dental care.
Common Causes of Swollen Gums
Gums can become puffy and swollen for various reasons. That said, the most common causes include:
Gingivitis
As the first form of gum disease, gingivitis can easily cause gums to swell. Its bacteria are very irritating to gum tissue, often causing puffiness, bleeding, and similar signs. Worse yet, gingivitis will result in periodontitis if left untreated; you might then suffer from tooth loss.
Malnutrition
Lacking key vitamins can also cause gum swelling. For instance, a drop in vitamin C puts you at risk of scurvy – an ailment that sometimes triggers anemia and gum disease. Similar truths apply to vitamin B, as this nutrient stabilizes your gums; lacking it can make gum tissue puffy.
Infection
Finally, swollen gums will sometimes stem from fungal and viral infections. These puffy tissues are a known complication of herpes, for instance. The same applies to thrush – an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth.
Can You Fix Swollen Gums at Home?
It’s often possible to fix swollen gums with home remedies. Some good examples of these are:
- Drink Lots of Water – By drinking water, you’ll stimulate saliva production. This effect weakens disease-causing bacteria in the mouth.
- Do Saltwater Rinses – Rinsing with a saltwater solution can rid your mouth of bacteria.
- Use Compresses – To lessen gum pain, place a warm compress over your face. A cold compress, meanwhile, can help decrease swelling.
When Should You See a Dentist for Help?
In general, you should see a dentist if your gums stay swollen for over two weeks. Professional dental treatment is often necessary by that point.
A dentist can do several things to address persistently swollen gums. For starters, they could prescribe oral rinses that help prevent gingivitis and reduce your mouth’s plaque levels. A dentist might also recommend a specific brand of toothpaste. If they believe the cause is gingivitis, they could recommend scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery.
Your swollen gums shouldn’t trouble you too much, but keep an eye on them. They may need your dentist’s help if home remedies fail.
About the Practice
Washington DC Dentistry is based in Washington, DC. Led by Dr. Sai N. Kham, our practice aims to give every patient the highest level of dental care possible. We thus offer tailored treatments that rely on cutting-edge technology, ranging from dental checkups and cleanings to periodontal therapy and more. Whatever problem your smile has, our team will help you through it! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (202)-677-0456.