You cannot overstate the importance of your gums. The soft tissue of your gums insulates and protects the sensitive roots of your teeth. They help to keep your teeth in place, and protect your jawbone from irritation. The gums take a lot of shots to protect your teeth, and you have to care for them the same way you do your teeth. If you begin to notice redness and irritation in your gums, you should increase your dental hygiene routines. If your teeth begin to become loose, you need to see a dental care professional immediately.
Swollen, Puffy Gums
Gum irritation is linked to hygiene, gum disease, and infection. Typically the root cause is foreign materials entering the gum line and creating a space for harmful bacteria to fester. Once bacteria, often in the form of plaque, enters the gum line it multiplies and creates space between the teeth and the gums. The soft tissue responds with an allergic cytokine reaction. The tissue becomes red and swollen with blood, tender to the touch, “itchy” or painful, and could require antibiotics. The first step when you start encountering this kinds of problems is to see a dentist or dental hygienist.
Causes of Swollen or Puffy Gums
There are any number of reasons for gums to be irritated. However, these are the most common causes of Puffy Gums.
Gingivitis- Gingivitis is a very common gum disease. Lots of people in America deal with gingivitis. Gingivitis swells your gums due to infection. After brushing or flossing your gums will bleed. There may be a foul smell as well. Gingivitis is a gum infection caused by bacterial buildup.
Gum Infection- The generalized term to encompass gum disease caused by infection, like gingivitis. Most gum puffiness, redness, swelling, and bleeding is caused by bacteria and organic material that has degraded in your mouth. When bacteria enters your gumline, it destroys soft tissue and causes it to swell and bleed.
Pregnancy- Pregnancy comes with many wonderful gifts, but it can take a toll on the body. Pregnant patients must maintain regular visits with their dentist to check for signs of gum disease or infection. Dental Hygiene becomes paramount during pregnancy.
The root causes of gum puffiness can lead to teeth displacement, tooth loss, further infection, and dental surgery. See a dentist regularly and treat the symptoms.
How to treat Puffy Gums?
A visit to the dentist and a thorough cleaning will start you off on the right path. After a cleaning your teeth will feel great, and your dentist will be able to diagnose what is causing puffy gums. Your dental hygienist will be able to make recommendations to ensure you are following dental hygiene expectations. They may take x rays of your mouth as well to see if there is a deeper underlying problem.
At home remedies are also available
Begin with a soothing warm salt water rinse. This should help puffy gums and soreness, constrict blood flow to reduce swelling, and help to loosen any hard stuck materials from in between your teeth. You should also brush with a clean toothbrush and fresh toothpaste. Soft bristle brushes may be recommended by your dentist to protect your gums. Brush in soft, circular motions–do not try to scrub your teeth. This can lead to gum receding.