Should You Be Worried About Swollen Gums?

People rightly worry when they see major changes in their teeth — aches, cracks, discoloration, etc. Some may even want to see their local dentist. Whether you should feel concerned about gum puffiness, though, is often less clear. That issue’s urgency often depends on what’s causing it. Luckily, your local Vienna dentist can clear things up. Read on to learn what causes swollen gums, how to manage their swelling at home, and when to see a dentist for them.

What Causes Swollen Gums?

Gums, ultimately, can swell for various reasons. That said, some of these causes are more common than others.

The most frequent contributor to the swelling is gingivitis. As an early stage of gum disease, the latter condition often makes gums irritated and puffy. Such reactions are natural responses to an oral infection.

On the other hand, swollen gums can also stem from rarer factors. Being deficient in vitamins B and C, for instance, also sometimes lead to gum swelling. Similarly, pregnancy may produce hormones that increase blood flow to the pink tissues, thus making them swell.

How Can I Manage Them at Home?

If you can’t get treatment quickly, you may need to manage your gum swelling at home. It’s a good thing, then, that there are various ways to do so. Some tips for at-home care are:

• Soothe your gums by brushing and flossing them gently.
• To remove bacteria contributing to the problem, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution.
• Weaken disease-causing germs in the mouth by drinking lots of water. (By having the liquid, you’ll stimulate your saliva to wash the germs out.)
• Keep from irritating your gums by avoiding mouthwashes, alcohol, and tobacco.

Use a warm compress to lessen gum pain and rely on a cold one to decrease swelling.

When Should You See a Dentist?

If and when your gums stay swollen for over two weeks, you should talk to your dentist. They can learn your symptoms and perform an oral exam to see if the issue is serious.

Should the cause be infection-related, a dentist may prescribe oral rinses to prevent gingivitis and reduce plaque. They could also suggest a specific brand of toothpaste for the problem. In some cases, antibiotics might be necessary.

In the event of gingivitis, scaling and root planing is one way to reduce gum swelling. This procedure would scrape away diseased gums, plaque, and tartar so your gums can heal.

As you can see, swollen gums can prove alarming in some cases. Therefore, consider the causes and tips above when deciding to see a dentist for help.

About the Practice

Pace Dental is based in Vienna, VA. Led by Dr. Ahmed Saad, our practice strives to give patients effective and friendly dentistry. To that end, we perform top-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, as well as dental emergency care. Our office even offers periodontal therapy for those with gum disease. If you’d like more information or to book a visit, reach us on our website or by phone at (703)-938-6800.