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Home » Swollen Gums
Swollen Gums
Overview
Swollen gums are a common dental problem that can be caused by a variety of factors.
Causes
Swollen gums can be caused by several factors, including:
- Gum Disease: The most common cause of swollen gums is gum disease, which is caused by the build-up of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to the buildup of plaque and bacteria, which can cause gum inflammation.
- Hormonal Changes: Women may experience swollen gums during pregnancy or menopause due to hormonal changes in the body.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as anti-seizure medications and immunosuppressants, can cause swollen gums as a side effect.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of vitamin C and other nutrients can weaken the immune system and make the gums more susceptible to inflammation.
- Irritants: Tobacco use, alcohol, and spicy foods can irritate the gums and cause inflammation.
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of swollen gums is puffiness and redness of the gum tissue around the teeth. Other symptoms may include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth or changes in the way the teeth fit together
Treatment
The treatment for swollen gums depends on the cause and severity of the problem. Here are a few common options:
- Professional Cleaning: If the swelling is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, a professional cleaning by a dental hygienist can remove the buildup and improve gum health.
- Scaling and Root Planning: This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria and tartar from below the gumline to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
- Medications: In some cases, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat an underlying infection or reduce inflammation.
- Change in Oral Hygiene Habits: Brushing and flossing the teeth properly and using a mouthwash can help prevent and treat gum inflammation.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or to reshape the gumline.
To stop further harm to the teeth and gums, it’s critical to seek treatment for swollen gums as soon as possible. Our experts at Ridgetop Dental International can assess the situation and make the best treatment recommendations based on the needs of the patient.
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Our specialist for
Swollen Gums
Dr. Datta Malyavantham
BDS, DDS, FICOI (USA)
30+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Cosmetic Dentistry and Veneers, Gum Related Problems, Smile Design, Implants & Oral Surgery
Dr. Akshay Nigam
BDS, MDS – Periodontics & Oral Implants
10+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Wisdom Tooth Extraction, Gum Related Problems, Dental Implants, Laser Dentistry, Micro Surgery, Flap Surgery, Esthetic Dentistry
Dr. Rajesh Patnaik
Associate Surgeon - Periodontist & Implantologist
BDS, MDS – Periodontics & Implantology
4+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Dental Implants, Gum Related Problems, Laser Dentistry