You might not give your gums much thought under normal circumstances, but that’s likely to change if they ever become red and swollen. Gum inflammation often leads to significant discomfort, so you’ll want to have it addressed by a periodontist as soon as you can. But what causes gum inflammation? And exactly what steps can be taken to treat the issue? Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know to protect your oral health.
What Can Lead to Inflamed Gums?
Gum inflammation is often linked to gum disease. This all-too-common oral health issue occurs when harmful oral bacteria attack the soft tissues protecting the roots of your teeth, resulting in an infection. Gum disease often begins with relatively mild symptoms, but if it remains untreated, it can cause you to lose your teeth and even increase your risk for heart problems.
There are other possible causes of gum inflammation that are worth keeping in mind. For example, your gums could be irritated from brushing too hard or wearing a poorly-fitted denture. Alternatively, the inflammation could potentially be a side effect of certain kinds of medication that you might be using.
What Can You Do About Inflamed Gums?
There are a few steps you can take at home that can go a long way toward reducing gum inflammation. Naturally, good oral hygiene practices can often make a difference. Be sure to brush at least two times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush that won’t bother your gums too much. It may also be a good idea to get in the habit of rinsing with salt water in order to reduce bacteria levels in your mouth.
Of course, these steps are no substitute for professional treatment. Ideally, you should have a dentist or periodontist examine your mouth as soon as possible so that they can diagnose the problem and properly treat it. If the inflammation is found to be related to gum disease, scaling and root planing may be recommended in order to remove the bacteria above and below the gumline that may be contributing to the infection.
Remember, gum inflammation is likely to grow worse over time if it’s not dealt with. It’s important to get the care you need as soon as possible so that you can protect the health of your gums and the rest of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman studied periodontology at the University of Tennessee. He is currently a well-respected member of the periodontal community and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He’s proud to offer scaling and root planing as a non-surgical solution for gum disease. If you’re concerned about inflamed gums, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Handsman at Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester by visiting his website or calling (508) 753-5444.
