Inflammation of the gums causes unbearable and distressing pain. The gums are particularly swollen and painful due to inflammation. Pain is felt in the teeth. Inflammation of the gums leads to a deterioration of the breath. Persistent bad breath is observed. Special products for inflamed gums can be used to treat swollen gums. Here are the causes and appropriate treatments for gum inflammation.
Here is a guide on what to do when you have inflamed gums.
What is inflamed gum ?
Inflamed gums are a sign of gum inflammation or gingivitis. It is a particularly common periodontal infection that affects over 80% of the population. It is a disease which is due to a very important accumulation of bacteria and tartar on the teeth. They are found in the dental plaque. These are the ones that we want to eliminate with each brushing of the teeth and each scaling at the dentist. Gingivitis is not painful but can evolve. Sometimes it can cause tooth decay.
The most common signs of gum inflammation
There are many symptoms that indicate you have inflamed gums. So you can quickly spot them every time.
Here are the most common signs of gum inflammation:
Redness : Your gums are redder than usual. They are most often pink or brown depending on the color of your skin.
Particularly sensitive gums : your gums are swollen when you are sensitive to external factors that affect your gums.
Irritation : your gums are much more sensitive when they are 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 plaque to build up and promotes the formation of tartar. Tartar causes swelling of the gums if it is not removed in time. There are also people who do not know how to brush their teeth properly. Poor tooth brushing techniques can cause gum inflammation. Not knowing how to floss is one of the causes of inflammation too.
Smokers often have recurring oral problems. In fact, smoking can cause gum inflammation. Canker sores or abscesses can also cause very painful inflammation of the gums. An infection of the gums as well as a fungus in the oral cavity causes an inflammatory reaction of the gums. There are also other causes such as hormonal changes and the taking of certain medications. For cancer patients, chemotherapy also causes gum inflammation. Swollen gums can occur in some people with ill-fitting braces.
From gum inflammation to periodontitis
If the inflammation persists or starts to get worse, you may have periodontitis. The non-treatment of gingivitis leads to periodontitis. In this case, the swollen gums become more painful, the teeth loosen and the end result is the loss of the tooth. Regular bleeding of the gums is the first sign of periodontitis. The deep inflammation of the gums during periodontitis leads to the complete destruction of the jawbone. In case of persistent inflammation, a dentist should be consulted in order to find the exact cause after dental examination.
How to treat swollen gums ?
Bacteria left behind by bacterial plaque are the sources of deterioration of our oral health. It is therefore essential to have a good oral hygiene. The first action to take when the gums are inflamed is scaling. Make an appointment with your dentist to remove the plaque that has turned into hard tartar. The practitioner performs a deep cleaning under local anesthesia, under the tooth and under the gum to eliminate microbes.
Root planing is also used in cases of severe periodontitis to eliminate bacteria in the periodontal pockets. A gum graft can also be performed by a dental surgeon. During the healing period, take care of your dental health. Treatment with antiseptics and antibiotics is recommended by some dentists in case of inflammation due to bacteria. Visit a dental office to properly adjust braces or dentures that cause inflammation. Mouthwash if a canker sore has caused the inflammation.
Prevent inflammatory gum disease 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 with an interdental brush. Floss your teeth. Rinse the oral cavity well after brushing. Remember to see a dentist every 6 months for a dental check-up. Avoid smoking as much as possible. It is also important to eat a healthy and balanced diet in order to have a good general health.
Gums play a very important role in our teeth. It is essential to take good care of them by using a good inflammatory gum product to keep your gums healthy. And don't forget that the best solution for gum disease is to visit a dental office.
You can use a Y-Brush toothbrush, it is a sonic toothbrush that offers several modes of sonic vibrations depending on your dental sensitivity. It allows you to brush more gently when you have particularly sensitive gums.
We hope that this guide has helped you understand what gum inflammation is and the little tricks you can use to avoid suffering from it and to prevent it from getting worse.