Puffy or Inflamed Bleeding Gums
Common Causes of Gum Inflammation
Inflammation or swelling of the gums can be very uncomfortable. Causes of inflamed gums include improper flossing or brushing, gum disease, tobacco use, hormone changes, irritation caused by dental hardware and chemotherapy. Inflammation is increasingly common since early gum disease is being experienced by more than 50% of adults in America.
There are two kinds of gum disease associated with inflammation of the gums:
- Gingivitis: While gingivitis is a mild and early form of gum disease, every year it does affect millions of Americans. Inflammation of the gums is a common sign of gingivitis, and the gums may also bleed when you floss and/or brush.
- Periodontitis: Left untreated gingivitis will often progress into a more severe kind of gum disease called periodontitis. With periodontitis gums that are inflamed become more painful, and teeth may start to come loose. When the teeth start to loosen it is from tissue (that holds teeth in place) that has started to become damaged. Treatment for periodontitis is essential. Inflammation of the gums must be treated to ensure good oral health over time.
Treatment for Inflamed Gums
The good news is that reversing early gum disease with proper treatment is possible. Start proper treatment for inflamed gums with the following to get your mouth and gums back in optimal health.
- Proper Brushing Technique: To avoid further damage of the tissue surrounding your teeth brush less vigorously. Use a tooth brush with nylon bristles that are soft or extra soft. Use gentle strokes with a back and forth motion to your brushing.
- Regular Flossing: Tartar and plaque build-up, which can both cause inflammation of the gums and/or gum disease can be caused by food particles remaining between the teeth. Diligent flossing removes these food particles and is essential for good oral health. When flossing be very gentle to avoid irritating the gums. Slide floss carefully and slowly between the teeth, as opposed to forcing it towards the gums to avoid causing any damage from flossing.
- Regular Rinsing: Using a mouthwash specially formulated for your gums is a great start. Rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing to further aid in the removal of food particles and/or carbohydrates which can cause plaque and contribute to gum disease. Rinsing will also aid in neutralizing plaque bacteria and reducing gingivitis.
- Proper Toothpaste: Depending on your particular sensitivities and conditions, the right toothpaste can further support optimal oral health. There are specially formulated toothpastes for various issues, such as gum and tooth sensitivity toothpaste, gum detoxifying toothpaste, enamel repair toothpaste, and many others. Help support a healthy gum line and healthy enamel by brushing with the right toothpaste.
- Good Nutrition: It’s simple. Maintaining a well-balanced diet is known to support better gum health. Additionally, vitamin C and calcium are very important in oral health so make sure to get plenty of both. Calcium can be very effective in minimizing the possibility of swollen gums.
- Regulate Stress: Stress can directly affect hormone levels, and especially the hormone called cortisol. Inflammation and swelling of the gums can be caused by an increase in cortisol level. De-stressing can therefore support better oral health.
Luckily, there are many effective treatments for inflammation and/or blessing of the gums. Therefore, if you are experiencing either it is a good idea to seek dental care. Specific causes of inflammation can be determined and treated!