Why Are My Gums Swollen?
Do you find yourself wondering, “Why are my gums swollen?” Only your dentist can accurately diagnose the cause of your gum swelling. However, one of the most common reasons for this problem is gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of your gum line that affects your bone, gums, and teeth through three stages.
For your best oral health and to stop your gum swelling, see your dentist. If your gum swelling is new, you possibly suffer from gingivitis. This early stage of gum disease is often treatable. Left uncared for, it progresses to periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
Why Are My Gums Swollen?
Many people ask this question about their swollen gums because gum disease is painless. You tend to notice swelling without feeling any effects of your condition. Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen, tender, red, or bleeding gums
- Gums pulling away from your tooth
- Ongoing bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth
- Visible puss surrounding teeth and gums
Visit Your Dentist for Diagnosis and Treatment
Schedule an appointment with your dentist today. While you wait for your scheduled visit, consider what possibly causes your swollen gums.
Common causes include:
Gum Disease
Gum disease is the leading cause of swollen or changing gums. While the changes may become subtle, over time they’ll become more apparent. However, by this time the damage could be more severe.
Medications
Medication changes or beginning new medications often affects your dental health. Changes can include reduced saliva flow and swollen gums. A dry mouth can quickly lead to tooth decay and gingivitis. For this reason, be sure to tell your dentist about medication changes to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Oral Hygiene Product Changes
Changing your toothpaste, toothbrush, or oral rinse can cause reactions or allergies. Consider whether you made such changes. If your gums feel painful or irritated, switch brands while you wait for your dental appointment.
Poor Nutrition
Having a Vitamin C deficiency causes inflamed gums for some. To combat this, try eating more fruits and vegetables.
Because so many possible causes of swollen gums exist, you need your dentist’s advice. This is the best way to know what is causing your problem and how to fix it.
Finding the Right Dentist for Your Best Oral Health
Do you dread visiting the dentist? If you do, you’re visiting the wrong dentist. You need a dentist you feel comfortable with, someone allowing open communication and providing a kind, caring, and supportive environment. If you don’t feel welcomed in your dental office or treated as an individual, maybe it’s time for a change. This is particularly important if you have a family and your children fear the dentist or don’t feel comfortable during these visits.
At your new dentist, you want services provided for the whole family. However, each family member has his or her own, unique needs. This means you need to look for the following dental services in your new dentist’s office:
Laughlin Dental is a Pasadena, TX PPO practice for families and individuals living and working in Pasadena, Pearland, Deer Park, and Houston. Call 281-998-4916 to schedule your first visit and gain answers to your question of, “Why are my gums swollen?” Everyone at Laughlin Dental welcomes your whole family and looks forward to seeing you soon!