When you think dental health, few people immediately begin to consider their gums. It’s often toothaches, cavities, and plaque that first come to mind. However, gum health is paramount to good overall oral health.
Swollen gums can ruin your day just as badly as your standard toothache. If you’ve been experiencing swollen or inflamed gums, keep reading. In this article, we’ll list a few causes for the inflammation and how to reduce gum swelling.
Gingivitis
One of the most common causes of swollen gums, gingivitis is a gum disease that requires treatment if you want to maintain your oral health. Symptoms of gingivitis include irritation around the gums and of course, swelling.
Untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. Much more serious than gingivitis, periodontitis causes problems with your dental structure. This means that the final result could be the loss of a tooth, so it’s important to visit this periodontist if you’ve been experiencing symptoms.
The root issue of gingivitis is often poor oral health habits. Failure to brush or floss, combined with overeating unhealthy and sugary foods, can cause plaque buildup. When plaque builds up and hardens, it turns into tartar, which is much harder to remove without the help of a dental professional.
Improper Nutrition
Vitamin C does a lot more for your body than simply keeping colds and the sniffles away. One of the most important functions of vitamin C in your body is the maintenance of your dental health. Without vitamin C, you can develop scurvy, which brings gum disease along with it.
Vitamin B is another important nutrient for oral health. If you’ve been experiencing inflamed gums, the answer on how to treat them may be as simple as checking your diet to ensure that you’re taking in the appropriate amount of the right nutrients.
Dental Abscess
A more sinister cause of swollen gums, dental abscesses arise as a result of infections. As white blood cells attack the infection, pus collects around a tooth. The area of the gum around the tooth becomes inflamed, tender, and extremely painful.
Dental abscesses are fairly rare but require immediate treatment by a health professional.
How to Treat Swollen Gums
If you’re experiencing symptoms that match any of the causes above, then it’s time for you to take care of the problem. A high level of oral health starts with the right daily habits, so start by implementing a tooth care routine.
Make sure that you’re flossing and brushing at least twice daily. Spend time doing it, too. Don’t just check it off the list as you get ready for your day in the morning.
Be conscious of trying to scrub away the plaque buildup, and use the right tool. A gum care formula, floss, and an electric toothbrush will go a long way towards reducing inflammation.
Stay Healthy, Stay Happy
Don’t let swollen gums trouble you—if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above, use this guide to get better. Once you’ve gotten past your inflamed gums, make sure to subscribe for regular lifestyle advice!
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