Inflamed Gums: What You Need to Know

When looking at the teeth in the mirror while brushing or flossing, a person may notice that they have a swollen gum around one tooth. This is not uncommon and could be attributed to several different causes.

What creates swollen gums around a tooth?

There are numerous reasons that the gum could swell in one area, including poor hygiene, an abscess or gum disease.

If people do not brush and floss correctly, food debris can be left behind. This missed debris can create inflammation and decay. Over time, this can grow into gum disease.

Signs of poor dental hygiene could include:

• Pale gums
• Red gums
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding while brushing
• Pus leaking from a tooth
• Loose tooth
• Bad breath
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Gum disease

When bacteria in the mouth infects the gum tissue encasing the tooth, it can create inflammation, which can lead to periodontal disease.

Signs of gum disease might include:

• Tender or bleeding gums
• Sensitive teeth
• Loose teeth
• Gums pulling away from teeth

An abscessed tooth is frequently the result on an untreated cavity that has permitted bacteria to infect the tooth.

Symptoms of an abscessed tooth might include:

• Pain
• Swollen gums
• Swollen jaw
• Fever

It is important to see the dentist if there is a possibility that an abscessed tooth is present. The infection will not go away on its own. If left untreated, it can move to the jawbone. It is infrequent but possible that the virus can spread, leading to significant health problems.

Gum disease

Mouths contain bacteria. These bacteria blend with mucus and other components in the mouths to form plaque on the teeth. If plaque is not brushed and flossed away, it hardens into tartar.

Plaque and tartar buildup can then lead to gum disease. A shared, mild gum disease, known as gingivitis, is categorized by red and swollen gums that bleed easily.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can change into a more severe gum disease known as periodontitis, which is defined by loose or sensitive teeth and painful chewing, along with swollen, red, tender or bleeding gums.

If a person has periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the teeth, giving easy access to bacteria that can create an infection. If not treated, this can begin to break down the soft tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place.

While most people, given the right elements, can get periodontal disease, specific causes increase the risk, such as:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• AIDS
• Stress
• Heredity
• Crooked teeth
• Defective fillings
• Medications that can cause dry mouth
• Preventing swollen gums around a tooth

Keeping gums healthy

Practicing good dental hygiene is one of the most significant things people can do to avoid issues such as gums swelling around the teeth.

Take these steps for dental health:

• Eliminate bacteria by brushing after meals and before bedtime
• Floss at least one time every day

Schedule a dentist appointment twice a year for checkups and professional teeth cleaning.

Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.