Gum swelling is quite a common problem which is caused by number of factors. Swollen gums are the abnormally enlarged, bulging and sometimes bleeding too. These gums at times, may completely block the neighboring tooth or may involve triangular-shaped bits of gum amid nearby teeth.
Over time swollen gums gets pale and red. Once the bleeding problem while brushing starts, eventually pus also starts coming from teeth. This leads to a persistent bad taste and breath from mouth, which do not go away even after brushing. If swollen gum persists for more than few days then one should seek dental help on urgent basis.
Reasons for gums to swell:
- Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene includes improper brushing and flossing habits. The left-out food debris can cause decay and inflammation in the ignored area. With time this neglected area can cause gum disease.
- Gum disease
Gum disease is the most common culprit for swollen gums. The earliest symptoms may come-up as red and swollen gums that may bleed occasionally. As the disease progress, it may cause teeth to loosen up due to gum swelling.
- Abscessed tooth
It is a very common cause for local gum swelling. It specifies tooth infection in and around the tooth. It mostly occurs due to untreated cavity which causes bacteria to spread throughout the tooth and infect it. Signs include aching, redness, swollen gums, swollen jaw, swollen face, fever, salty taste in mouth, tender and sore tooth. Dentists recommend root canal treatment for an abscessed tooth.
- Nutritional deficiencies
It occurs when body do not absorb necessary amount of nutrients. Vitamin C, riboflavin and folic acid’s deficiency may lead to gum problems. It is important to eat food rich in these nutrients.
- Pregnancy
Pregnancy gingivitis is very common. It occurs due to hormonal changes in the body. It increases the flow of blood to gum tissue which causes gums to be more sensitive and swollen. Hormonal changes hinders body’s normal responses to bacteria hence plaque building becomes easier.
- Teething syndrome
Soreness and swelling of gums during teething is very common among infants. During this time babies experience pain and fussiness. These symptoms last for 3-5 days and then disappear as soon as the tooth extrudes out of the skin.
- Herpes stomatitis
Herpetic stomatitis is specified by blisters occurring in the gums, palate, tongue, cheeks and lip border. It is caused by infections of herpes simplex virus. It can be prevented by having B vitamin supplements.
- Leukemia
Gingivitis can be an early symptom of leukemia. It occurs when leukemia cells infiltrate the gum. Leukemia decreases the body’s ability to fight against infection so gingivitis gets severe.
- Smoking
Smoking weakens the body’s immune system which makes it harder to fight against gum infections. Gum’s infection chances become double with a smoker. Healing of gums gets delayed with regular smoking.
Gum’s health depends on several factors. Adopting proper oral hygiene care tips and visiting a dentist’s clinic regularly for oral check-ups can bring a massive change.
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