Is Gum Inflammation Putting Your Smile at Risk? Here’s What to Know

Gum Inflammation 101: What’s Causing Your Swollen Gums?

Maintaining healthy gums is just as important as keeping your teeth strong. Unfortunately, gum health is often overlooked, leading to inflammation and more serious conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. At Neighborhood Dental in Gretna, we are committed to educating our patients about the importance of gum health and offering comprehensive solutions to address and prevent gum inflammation.

Gum inflammation is a common symptom of gingivitis and other types of gum disease. But they can also point to other health conditions like infection, vitamin deficiencies or hormonal changes. Treatment depends on the cause.

Symptoms of Gum Inflammation

If your gums are inflamed, it’s essential to recognize the early signs before the condition worsens. Some of the common symptoms include:

  • Red, swollen gums: Healthy gums should appear pink and firm, so if you notice redness or swelling, it’s time to take action.
  • Bleeding gums: If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it’s often a sign of inflammation caused by bacteria.
  • Receding gums: Gum recession can expose more of your tooth and its roots, leading to increased sensitivity.
  • Bad breath: Persistent bad breath, even after brushing, can indicate an underlying gum issue.
  • Tenderness or discomfort: If your gums are sore to the touch, they may be inflamed.

Recognizing these symptoms early can help prevent more severe dental issues and keep your gums healthy in the long run.

Causes of Gum Inflammation

Gum inflammation is usually the body’s response to bacteria in plaque buildup along the gumline. Here are some common causes of inflammation:

  • Abscessed tooth: is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. It looks like a red ball pushing through your gums. It happens when gum disease erodes the tissues and bones that support your teeth.
  • Gingivitis is an early-stage, common gum disease, also called periodontal disease.
  • Periodontitis: an advanced gum disease that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.
  • Poorly fitting dentures or other dental appliance
  • Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing or flossing regularly allows plaque to build up and irritate your gums.
  • Smoking or tobacco use: Smoking weakens your immune system and makes it harder for your gums to heal.
  • Hormonal changes: Fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can make gums more susceptible to inflammation.
  • Medications: Some medications can reduce saliva flow, which naturally cleans your mouth and reduces bacteria (including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives).
  • Underlying health conditions: Diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders can increase your risk of gum inflammation.

Is it normal to get swollen gums with Orthodontics or Clear Aligner Treatment?

Yes, it’s fairly common to experience swollen gums during orthodontic or clear aligner treatment. The pressure applied to your teeth as they move into alignment can sometimes cause mild gum irritation or swelling. Additionally, clear aligners can trap food and bacteria, leading to gum inflammation if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained.

To minimize this, it’s essential to brush and floss regularly, clean your aligners daily, and stay hydrated. If the swelling persists or becomes painful, it’s a good idea to consult your local Gretna dentist to ensure there are no underlying issues.

Image showing healthy gums that are bright pink vs gingivitis that is swollen, red gums that bleed easily.

How Long Does a Swollen Gums Last?

The duration of swollen gums can vary depending on the cause. In most cases, mild gum inflammation caused by irritation or minor plaque buildup can resolve within a few days with proper oral care, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.

However, suppose the swelling is due to gum disease like gingivitis or more severe conditions such as periodontitis. In that case, it may take longer to heal and will require professional treatment from your Gretna dentist. It’s important to monitor your symptoms, and if the swelling doesn’t improve within a week or worsens, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental visit to address any underlying issues.

How to Treat Gum Inflammation

At Neighborhood Dental Gretna, proactive care and early intervention are the keys to gum health. Our experienced dental team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating gum inflammation with customized care plans tailored to your needs. Here’s how we can help:

  1. Thorough cleanings: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach, preventing further gum irritation.
  2. Periodontal therapy: For patients with more severe gum disease, we offer scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove bacteria from below the gumline.
  3. Patient education: We provide tips and guidance on how to improve your at-home oral care routine to maintain healthy gums and prevent future issues.
  4. Ongoing monitoring: Regular check-ups allow us to catch any signs of gum inflammation early and address them before they develop into more serious conditions.

Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health, starting with your gums. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of gum inflammation, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Neighborhood Dental Gretna. Together, we can create a personalized treatment plan that gets your gums back to their healthiest state.

We are proud to serve the people of Gretna but also welcome those from nearby locations such as Springfield, Westmont, Chalco, Harrison Park West, Ashland, Waterloo, and other neighborhoods.

Call us at: 402-892-5691

Email us at: gretna@neighborhooddentalcare.com