Gum inflammation causes unbearable and distressing pain. The gums become particularly swollen and painful due to the inflammation. Pain is felt around the teeth. Gingival inflammation leads to bad breath deterioration. Persistent bad breath is observed. Special products for inflamed gums help treat swollen gums. Here are the causes and appropriate treatments for gum inflammation.
Here is a guide to help you know what to do when you have inflamed gums.
What is inflamed gums?
Inflamed gums are a sign of gum inflammation or gingivitis. It is a very common periodontal infection affecting more than 80% of the population. It is a disease caused by a significant accumulation of bacteria and tartar on the teeth. These are found in dental plaque. These are what we aim to remove with every tooth brushing and dental scaling at the dentist. Gingivitis is not painful but can progress. Sometimes it causes tooth loosening.
The most common signs of gum inflammation
Many symptoms indicate that you have inflamed gums. You can quickly recognize them each time.
Here are the most common signs of gum inflammation:
- Redness : your gums are redder than usual. They are usually pink or brown depending on your skin color.
- Particularly sensitive gums: your gums are swollen when you are sensitive to external factors affecting your gums.
- Irritation: your gums are much more sensitive when swollen. They often become slightly uncomfortable.
What causes gum inflammation?
The main cause of gum inflammation is poor oral hygiene. The accumulation of plaque leads to gum disease. In the case of gingivitis, gum inflammation is one of the first symptoms to appear. Not brushing your teeth regularly causes this plaque buildup and promotes tartar formation. If not removed in time, tartar causes swelling of the gums. Some people also do not brush their teeth properly. Poor brushing techniques can cause gum inflammation. Not knowing how to use dental floss is also an inflammatory cause.
Smokers often have recurring oral problems. Indeed, smoking can cause gum inflammation. Canker sores or abscesses can also cause very painful gum inflammation. Gum infections and oral thrush cause an inflammatory reaction in the gums. Other causes include hormonal changes and certain medications. For cancer patients, chemotherapy also causes gum inflammation. Gum swelling can be seen in some people with poorly fitted dental appliances.
From gum inflammation to periodontitis
If the inflammation persists or worsens, you may have periodontitis. Untreated gingivitis leads to periodontitis. In this case, swollen gums become more painful, tooth loosening occurs, and ultimately, tooth loss. Regular gum bleeding is the first sign of periodontitis. Deep gum inflammation during periodontitis leads to complete destruction of the jawbone. You should see a dentist if inflammation persists to determine the exact cause after a dental examination.
How to treat swollen gums?
Bacteria left by dental plaque are the source of oral health deterioration. It is therefore essential to maintain good oral hygiene. The first step when gums are inflamed is scaling. Make an appointment with your dentist to remove plaque that has hardened into tartar. The practitioner performs a deep cleaning under local anesthesia, beneath the tooth and gum, to eliminate microbes.
Root planing is also used in severe periodontitis cases to remove bacteria from periodontal pockets. A gum graft may also be performed by a dental surgeon. During the healing period, take care of your dental health. Some dentists recommend treatment with antiseptics and antibiotics if the inflammation is caused by bacteria. Visit a dental office to properly adjust orthodontic appliances or dental prostheses causing inflammation. Use mouth rinses if a canker sore caused the inflammation.
Prevent inflammatory gum pain by maintaining good oral hygiene
You can also prevent gum inflammation by maintaining good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush equipped with an interdental brush. Use dental floss or dental tape. Rinse your mouth well after brushing. Remember to see a dentist every 6 months for a dental check-up. Avoid smoking as much as possible. Also, maintain a healthy and balanced diet for overall good health.
Gums play a very important role in our dentition. It is essential to take good care of them by using a good product for inflamed gums to keep gums healthy. And never forget that in case of gum pain, the best solution is to consult a dental office.
You can use a Y-Brush toothbrush, a sonic toothbrush offering several sonic vibration modes depending on your dental sensitivity. It allows you to brush more gently when your gums are particularly sensitive.
