What Does It Mean To Have Swollen Gums Around Teeth?

Karen Smith — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 00:00:27 +0000

Swollen gums around teeth are a common symptom for many various conditions. Usually, this happens because of poor dental hygiene that leads to oral health issues. If you have swollen gums, it would be best to consult your family dentist to check your condition and provide early treatment. So, what does it mean if your gums are swelling around your teeth? And what can you do to treat it? Let this article tell you the most common causes of swelling around your teeth, including the treatment to keep your mouth smiling.

Common Causes of Red and Swollen Gums

Gum swelling is a common indication of unhealthy gums. But this condition can happen because of various reasons, including:

Poor Oral Hygiene

If you do not brush and floss your teeth properly, you can leave behind food particles. These remains can lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation. After some time, this can develop into gum disease.

Gum Disease

Gum disease or periodontal disease happens when the bacteria in the mouth infects the gum tissue encompassing the tooth. In fact, this condition is prevalent among adult people, age 30 years and older. Common signs and symptoms of the periodontal disease might include:

inflamed gums
tender or bleeding gums
loose teeth
sensitive teeth
gums pulling away from teeth

When gum recession happens, gaps or pockets form between the teeth and gum line, making it accessible for disease-causing bacteria to build up. This can promote severe dental health issues, such as dental infections or tooth loss.

Dental Abscess

This condition is usually the outcome of an untreated cavity that has permitted bacteria to infect your tooth. In any case, common indications of an abscessed tooth may include:

swollen gums
pain
swollen jaw
fever

If you think you have an abscessed tooth, a trip to your family dentist is crucial. This is because the infection will not disappear on its own. And, whenever left untreated, it can spread to your jawbone. It is uncommon yet conceivable that the infection can expand, prompting extreme health issues.

Risk Factors

Gum swelling can happen to anyone. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, swelling is a warning sign that the bacteria in your mouth infect your gums. This infection can lead to gum disease.

Even though most individuals, given the correct factors, can get periodontal disease, some factors increase the risk, including:

crooked teeth
diabetes
defective fillings
smoking
heredity
stress
AIDS
medications that can cause dry mouth

Natural Remedies To Treat Swollen Gums

While waiting for your appointment with a dental professional, you can try the following remedies to manage your inflamed gums at home.

Saltwater Rinse

Washing your mouth with salt water can be an effective way to deal with gingival swelling.

To use this as your remedy, start mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water. Then, use the mixture to clean your mouth for at least 30 seconds and after that, spit it out. You can wash your mouth with salt water two to three times a day.

Tea Tree Oil Rinse

According to a study, tea tree oil can reduce bleeding caused by gum disease. Hence, you can wash your mouth using this ingredient two to three times a day. Just put three drops of tea tree essential oil in 8 ounces of warm water. Then, gargle the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Turmeric gel

This remedy can help prevent plaque and gingivitis from developing. After doing good oral hygiene, apply turmeric gel to your gums twice a day. Leave it for 10 minutes, then wash your mouth with fresh water and then spit it out.

Medical Treatment

If you have swollen gums for about two weeks, you should make a dental appointment. Your dentist will ask some questions and take dental X-rays if necessary. In addition, your dentist may also arrange a blood test to check for an infection.

Furthermore, if you are pregnant or have any changes in your diet, it is better to tell them. This can help them provide medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

Depending on the reason for your swollen gums, your dentist may recommend mouth rinses that can reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis. They may likewise suggest that you use a particular brand of toothpaste. At times, antibiotics may be necessary.

One standard dental treatment option is scaling and root planing. In this procedure, the dentist or dental hygienist scrapes away unhealthy gums, plaque, and tartar, on the roots of the teeth to permit the remaining gums to heal. If you have severe gum inflammation, your dentist may recommend a surgical procedure.

Prevention

Doing proper oral hygiene is one of the main things you should do to prevent issues such as gums swelling around teeth. These healthy dental practices consist of:

Brushing your teeth twice a day
Flossing at least once each day
Make regular dental appointments for checkups and professional teeth cleaning.

A swollen gum can result from various oral health issues such as poor hygiene practice, gum disease, and an abscess. Seeing your dentist can ensure you get the proper treatment and keep your teeth and smile healthy.