Why are Your Gums Inflamed? A Look at the Possible Causes

Have your gums been unusually red, swollen, and tender lately? You’re far from alone; gum inflammation is an all-too-common oral health issue that many people experience. Inflamed gums often cause no small amount of soreness, so you’ll naturally want to figure out what the source of the problem is so that your dentist can help you deal with it properly. Below is a closer look at the likely causes of gum inflammation as well as steps you can take to address the issue.

What Can Cause Gum Inflammation?

Most of the time, gum inflammation is a warning sign of gum disease. This condition occurs when your gum tissues become infected by the harmful bacteria that live in your mouth. Gum disease has two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a relatively minor issue that can sometimes be reversed with good oral hygiene. But once gum disease turns into periodontitis, it becomes a serious problem that can lead to severe consequences such as tooth loss.

While gum disease is the most common cause of gum inflammation, it is far from the only one. Here are a few other possible explanations for swollen gum tissue:

• The gums may be irritated by overly vigorous brushing.
• You may have an untreated cavity that has resulted in an abscess (a pocket of pus caused by infection).
• You may have a poorly fitted dental appliance (such as a denture) that is rubbing against your gums.
• It may be a side effect of taking certain kinds of medication.
• It may be due to a fluctuation in hormone levels (which commonly happens during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause).

What Should You Do About Gum Inflammation?

If gum inflammation lasts longer than two weeks, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can take a look at your mouth and figure out the true underlying cause of the problem. Once they do, they can point you toward your best options for treatment. For example, if you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend ozone therapy to help get rid of the bacteria contributing to the condition.

In addition to seeing your dentist, you can take the following steps to treat gum inflammation at home:

• Practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Make sure that you’re using proper brushing technique so that you aren’t being unnecessarily hard on your teeth and gums.
• Rinse regularly with salt water. This can help fight any bacteria that may be causing the inflammation.
• Adjust your diet so that it includes more foods that promote healthy gums. In particular, you should make sure you’re getting plenty of calcium and vitamin C.

The important thing to remember about gum inflammation is that you can’t expect the problem to get any better by simply ignoring it. Being proactive about seeing the dentist and taking better care of your mouth at home can go a long way toward getting the health of your gums back on track.

About the Author

Dr. William J. Twohig has been in the dental field for more than 47 years. He is a holistic dentist who focuses on providing dental care that is good for the body as a whole, not just the mouth. He is a founding member of The American Academy of Ozonotherapy, and he is proud to be able to offer ozone therapy as one of multiple treatment options for gum disease. If you’re bothered by inflamed gums, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Twohig at his dental practice in Weyauwega by visiting his website or calling (920) 867-3101.