Why Are My Gums Swollen?
If you have been asking yourself, “Why are my gums swollen?” and have not been able to isolate the cause, it might be time to visit your dentist. Swollen gums can be a sign of more significant problems with your oral health. But if you aware of the problem and alert your dentist early enough. There are several courses of action you can take to help prevent any further damage. At Signature Smiles in Parker, CO, we are often asked, “Why are my gums swollen?” There are many possible answers to this question, but a quick assessment by Dr. Gunning and the experienced team at Signature Smiles can get you on the road to excellent oral health right away!
Why Are My Gums Swollen?
Let’s start at the very beginning. Your gums don’t get nearly the press that your teeth get, but they are no less important. In fact, many would argue that this thick, pink tissue is even more important because you can’t have healthy teeth without healthy gums. Without regular at-home care and routine dental cleanings in CO, your mouth can start displaying symptoms.
But if you are asking yourself, “Why are my gums swollen?” you first need to address what we mean by swollen gums. Swollen gums — a condition sometimes called “gingival swelling” — refers to puffy or protruding gums. This swelling is most often accompanied by irritated or tender gum tissue, which occurs where the gums meet the upper edge of the tooth. Swollen gums are usually a pronounced red color instead of the usual, healthy pink, and can sometimes be so swollen that they overlap or hide part of the teeth. Swollen gums can also be accompanied by bleeding when you brush or floss.
The Causes of Swollen Gums
Of the many causes of gum swelling, the most common by far is gingivitis. Which is a kind of gum disease that most of us have at some point in our lives. In fact, many of us don’t even know that they have gingivitis because its symptoms can be so mild. It is crucial, however, that you catch and treat gingivitis early. If you don’t, it can lead to serious problems down the road, including tooth loss and more severe forms of gum disease.
Because gingivitis is almost always the result of poor oral hygiene — specifically, the build-up of plaque around the gumline — it is very treatable. Unfortunately, when plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which requires professional cleaning. The process of plaque hardening into tartar can take only a few days, which is why it is essential that you brush and floss regularly, and take care of your gumline as well as you can!
The other causes of gingivitis are slightly less common but equally important when it comes to treatment. For instance, the increased hormonal activity that accompanies pregnancy can result in swelling. As can poor nutrition, especially diets that are too low in vitamin C. Finally, swollen gums may be the result of an infection or untreated dental decay, which may require antibiotics or even scaling and root planning services in Parker, CO.
But whatever the cause of your gum swelling, it is vital that you consult a dentist with experience in this area, like the trained professionals at Signature Smiles in Parker, CO!
Contact Us Before It Gets Worse!
Are you asking yourself, “Why are my gums swollen?” If you are experiencing even mild gum swelling, it is worth having a dentist take a look. At Signature Smiles, Dr. Gunning and his team have years of experience with treatment and are standing by to assess the root causes of the problem. Contact us today at 720.513.8405, and make swollen gums a thing of the past.