If you've got swollen gums, it's time to see the dentist. Swollen gums can be caused by a variety of dental issues. A lot of people ignore swollen gums. Unfortunately, ignoring your swollen gums can make the problem worse. Read the list below. Here are four dental problems that can lead to swollen gums.
Dental Allergies
If the swelling in your gums came on suddenly, contact your dentist right away. You could have developed a dental allergy. Dental allergies can happen for several reasons. You could be allergic to an ingredient in new toothpaste or mouthwash. You could have eaten something that gave you an oral allergic reaction. Or, you could have had recent dental procedures that caused an allergic reaction. That's especially true if you've recently had metal dental restorations.
Periodontal Disease
If your gums are red and swollen, don't wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Red and swollen gums can be a sign of gingivitis or periodontal gum disease. Gum disease happens when plaque builds up under the gum line. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontal gum disease. Periodontitis causes the gums to recede. When that happens, deep pockets develop in the gums. Those pockets can become infected. If that happens, you can lose your teeth. Plus, the infection can spread to other areas of the body. If you also have redness or discharge around your gum line, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Improper Oral Hygiene
If you're not brushing and flossing right, you could end up with swollen gums. When you don't brush and floss your teeth every day, bacteria can build up in your mouth. This includes between your teeth and below the gum line. But, your gums can also get swollen if you brush and floss too vigorously. When you brush and floss too vigorously, you can damage the gum tissue. This can lead to oral infections and sores. Talk to your dentist. They can give you instructions on how to brush and floss your teeth the right way.
Poorly Fitting Dentures
If you wear dentures, keep an eye on your gums. You might not know this, but denture problems can cause your gums to get red and swollen. Poorly fitting dentures can rub against your gums. Unfortunately, you can develop sores where the dentures rub on your gums. Luckily, your dentist can adjust the dentures to provide a better fit. If your dentures are causing you pain, visit your dentist for an adjustment.
For more information, contact a company such as Queen Street Dental.
Share25 July 2023
Hi! My name is Sarah, and as a busy professional, I understand the importance of making the most of my time. That includes everything from having productive working lunches to making the most of my dental checkups. I have created this blog to help you maximise your dental checkups. In these posts, you can learn how to prepare for your checkup, which questions to ask during your checkup and more. I am also going to have posts explaining why checkups are critical to your dental health as well as the health of your entire body. Happy reading, and thanks for visiting my blog!
