Swollen gums are not only aesthetically displeasing, but can be a first symptom of gum disease. Gum disease is not the only cause of swollen gums, however. The condition may also be caused by improper oral hygiene techniques, irritation caused by smoking, or chemotherapy. Mouth sores and hormonal changes may also be to blame. Working with a dentist can help people determine the reason for swollen gums.
In an attempt to properly clean their teeth, many people use poor brushing and flossing techniques. Gum tissue is soft and can easily be irritated by over-zealous brushing and flossing, resulting in swollen gums. To prevent this from happening, many dental professionals recommend the use of soft-bristled toothbrushes and brushing teeth in a circular motion. People who are concerned about their flossing and brushing habits should speak to their dentist or dental hygienist to get instruction in the best way to clean their teeth.
Gum diseases, such as gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis, are often characterized by swollen gums. Gingivitis is caused by plaque development on teeth that irritates the gums and causes them to swell, bleed, and eventually recede from the teeth. When gums recede, pockets can form between gum and tooth into which food and bacteria can enter, making the problem much worse and eventually turning into periodontitis.
Since gingivitis often isn’t painful, at least in its early stages, many people ignore the condition. Unfortunately, this can have serious consequences as bacterial infection becomes worse and can spread from the gums to the teeth and jaw. This can cause tooth loss. The infection can also spread to the bloodstream, which can result in damage to a person’s overall health. For this reason, swollen gums should be brought to the attention of a dental professional.
Other causes of swollen gums include irritation within the mouth. Smoking and chewing tobacco, for example, can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. Mouth sores, such as canker sores or ulcers caused by chemotherapy, can also result in swollen gums, as can medications. Birth control pills, for example, cause hormonal changes that can result in swollen and bleeding gums. Similarly, many people find that other types of hormonal changes, such as those experienced by adolescents or pregnant, menstruating, or menopausal women can cause an increase in gum sensitivity. For this reason, it is particularly important that teenagers and pregnant women take good care of their teeth in order to avoid damage caused by gum irritation and disease.