How to Treat Swollen Gums
Gum swelling is caused by edema (excess fluid) in the softest tissues of the gums. The problem is often characterized by the inflammation of the gum line. If not addressed fast enough, the disease can affect the bone beneath the soft tissues. Usually, swollen gums are a sign that you have signs of early gum disease (gingivitis). It’s known to progress to other stages: periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Depending on the triggering factors, gum swelling can affect just a tiny part of your gum and appear as just an ulcer or a sore. Other times it can affect your whole gum line and that’s gum disease. So, see your dental specialist if you have noticed any degree of gum swelling. We would specifically recommend finding orthodontic services instead of general dental services to see if the swollen gums are due to misalignment of the teeth making them very difficult to clean and causing bleeding gums.
What might indicate gum swelling?
In most cases, gum swelling can be pain-free and other times it can be painful. So it is good not to ignore any symptoms, as they could mean you have gum disease. Typical symptoms include:
- Receding gums
- Swollen, red, bleeding, or tender gums.
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth and visible pus that surrounds your gums and teeth.
- Sore tongue, swollen lymph nodes, or pale skin
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea or an upset stomach
- Quick weight loss that cannot be explained
- General weakness, tiredness, or dizziness.
Some symptoms noted when a person has gum swelling can indicate the presence of a serious disease. So it is important to have them evaluated as soon as possible. Such signs include the inability to swallow or breathe, high fever of more than 101 degrees F, and/or severe gum bleeding. Thus, if you would ask me, I would tell you to search for an orthodontist near me results on the internet right now.
Why do I have swollen gums?
Millions of people are asking themselves this question today. Generally speaking, people have swollen gums because of different reasons. However, it basically happens because of plaque on teeth caused by poor oral hygiene. Plaque tends to be invisible and so it is easy to leave it behind when brushing your teeth. It’s usually sticky and often invaded by bacteria that irritate the gum line, triggering bleeding and swelling. Swollen gums affect most people who neglect their oral hygiene.
Besides not brushing and flossing daily, you can have bleeding gums because of the abnormal position of teeth making it very difficult to clean, being sick, or having dental restoration issues. For instance, you may have rough edges of dental fillings that are bruising your gums, unclean dentures, or misaligned teeth. Bleeding gums are also commonly caused by bacterial infections, canker sores, dry mouth, gum disease, hormonal changes during teenage or pregnancy, fungal or viral infections, and tobacco use.
Swollen gums due to diseases
Some people ignore their gums swelling only to realize later that it was a sign of a serious disease. Thus, you should visit your Aventura orthodontist as soon as you have gums swelling that don’t go away. By so doing, you will avoid being sick without ever knowing. Some of the diseases that trigger gum swelling include anemia, cancer, diabetes, scurvy, heart disease and Behcet’s syndrome (inflammation of blood vessels). Methamphetamine use can also make your gums swell.
How the diagnosis takes place
The starting point is finding a highly trained and qualified orthodontist in Miami. For example, meet a qualified orthodontist Miami gardens specialist if you live in Miami Gardens. He or she will have an appointment with you in their office and ask a few questions. For instance, they will want to know the length of time you have had gum swelling. Additionally, the dental specialist will want to know where exactly you feel swollen and other signs you might have. Also, they will ask if you are taking or have taken any medication to control the feeling and when you last had your teeth professionally cleaned. It is important to carefully and truthfully answer each question.
Swollen Gums Treatment
The manner in which your oral orthodontist might treat you would depend on the severity of the swelling and what might be the cause. If you have a disease, such as the ones mentioned above, you will be referred to an oral surgeon or medical doctor. Similarly, if you have a dental restoration issue such as a dirty appliance or a dental abscess you will be referred to the appropriate dentist. On the other hand, if you have misaligned teeth that contribute to gum bleeding you will get a solution right inside the orthodontist’s office. It’s important to have your insurance card ready, if you have it, or have cash not to delay the swollen gums treatment process.
Complications of bleeding gums
Failure to seek help when you have swollen gums can lead to complications. Some of them can be so severe that they can cause irreversible dental damage. To avoid this, visit your dental specialist for diagnosis and treatment plan. Otherwise, you could risk having these complications:
- Gum abscess
- Infections of the gums
- Jawbones abscess or infection
- Periodontitis
- Teeth loss
- Trench mouth
Finding Relief and How to Stop Bleeding Gums
To alleviate gum swelling and pain, you can do the following things.
- Brush and floss your teeth every day. This will improve the type of gum swelling triggered by gingivitis.
- Enhance your diet with some fruits and vegetables to get enough vitamin C. This will heal your scurvy or early signs of it.
- Use a saltwater solution to rinse your mouth. This will relieve the pain triggered by inflamed gums.
- See your dental specialist if your gum swelling doesn’t subside within two weeks. This will ensure that you get treated as soon as possible.
There are also some things you should never do after noticing that your gums are swollen. These are:
- Avoid using a mouthwash or toothpaste that irritates your gums. If you notice that your current options are harming the affected area, change them.
- Avoid taking alcohol and tobacco as these can irritate your gums even more.
- Don’t neglect yourself. Take serious action right away to avoid solving a more serious gum or bodily disease.
Conclusion
Mild gum swelling may go away with just the simple tips we have shared above. However, severe swelling can persist and can be a sign of a serious disease like periodontitis that could harm your gum tissues and bone.