Gums are one of the most important parts of your oral health. They help to protect your teeth and prevent tooth decay. But sometimes gums can become inflamed. Here are all the things you need to know about inflamed gums.
What are inflamed gums?
Inflamed gums are a type of gum disease. They're caused by an infection in the gum tissue. The infection can come from a variety of sources, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The infection causes the gum tissue to swell and become red and tender. The inflammation can also cause pain when you move your jaw or bite down on your gum.
Inflamed gums are most common in people over the age of 30. They can also be caused by other factors, such as diabetes or a low level of saliva flow. There are several treatments available for inflamed gums. Some people may need to take antibiotics to treat the infection. Others may need to have surgery to remove the infected gum tissue.
If you have inflamed gums, it's important to see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
The Causes of Inflamed Gums
There are many different causes of inflamed gums, but the most common is tooth decay. When the tooth starts to decay, a hole forms in the tooth called a cavity. This hole allows bacteria to get into the tooth and cause inflammation. Other causes of inflammation of gums include:
- Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
- Smoking
- Dental abscesses
- Trench mouth disease
- Gingivitis (gum infection)
- Oral cancer
If you have any of these conditions, your dentist may recommend that you have your gums scraped or treated with an antibiotic. If you have untreated dental decay, your gums may become infected and inflamed.
If you think you may have dental decay, see your dentist for an examination. If you have gum problems, see a doctor for treatment.
The symptoms of inflamed gums
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your gums are inflamed. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include:
- Sensitivity to biting or chewing
- Redness, swelling, and pain around the gum line
- Frequent toothaches or headaches
- Difficulty eating or drinking because of the pain in your jaw
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a dentist for an evaluation. While inflamed gums can typically be treated with a variety of over-the-counter medications, professional treatment may be necessary in more severe cases.
Gum Inflammation Treatment
If you notice that your gum has become swollen and red, the first step is to try to identify the root cause. If it's caused by a diet or lifestyle issue, then you'll need to make some changes to address those issues. If the cause is unknown, you may need to see a doctor for treatment. There are many ways to treat inflamed gums, and the most important thing is to find the best method for you. Here are some tips:
- Try over-the-counter treatments. Many over-the-counter treatments work well for treating inflamed gums, such as mouthwash, toothpaste, and lozenges. Follow the directions on the product label.
- Apply an ice pack. An ice pack can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Place an ice pack on your gums for 20 minutes every few hours until the pain goes away or the swelling decreases.
- Use a topical medication. Topical medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) can be applied topically to treat inflammation of the gum tissue. Follow the directions on the product label carefully.
- Use a mouth rinse. A mouth rinse can help cleanse your mouth and reduce inflammation of the gum tissues. Choose a rinse with ingredients that are mild and safe for use around your teeth (such as baking soda or water).Â
Prevention of inflamed gums
There are several things you can do to prevent inflamed gums: keep your teeth clean and healthy by using a toothbrush and toothpaste every day, avoid tobacco smoke, eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water.
One of the most common causes of inflamed gums is dental plaque. Plaque can build up on the teeth and on the gums around them, which can cause gum inflammation. One way to prevent this is to use a water flosser. B. Weiss water flossers remove plaque and debris from between your teeth and along the gum line, which helps to prevent gum inflammation.
If you do experience gingivitis, don't panic – there are treatments available that can help relieve the symptoms.
Conclusion
If you're like most people, you've probably experienced inflamed gums at some point in your life. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems. Hopefully, by the end of reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what inflamed gums are and how to address them.
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Disclaimer:
The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. The author and publisher do not take responsibility for any consequences resulting from the information provided in this article.