Swollen Gums Around Teeth: Causes and Tips for Quick Relief
No one is immune to dental problems. Even with good at-home oral care routines, there are instances wherein dental issues can happen unnoticed. All of a sudden, you may experience swollen gums around tooth areas. Here are some causes and tips for relieving this dental problem.
Causes
Improper Dental Hygiene – Incorrect brushing or flossing is the common culprit of swollen gums because this can leave food debris behind, causing tooth decay and inflammation in the neglected area. Eventually, inadequate oral hygiene can result in gum disease. As such, you must always be on the lookout for red, pale or swollen gums each time you brush and floss.
Abscessed Tooth – This indicates an infection in or around the tooth. Often, this is the result of an untreated cavity causing bacteria to spread through the entire tooth and infect it. When left untreated, this will cost you the tooth. Signs to look out for will include swollen and red gums, a salty taste in the mouth, throbbing pain, and fever.
Canker Sores – These are small, round or oval and shallow lesions with a red border and yellow/white center found inside of the mouth, under or on the tongue, on the soft palate, inside the lips or cheeks, or at the gums’ base. A minor injury from improper dental work, sports mishaps, obsessive brushing, or an accidental cheek bite can trigger canker sores.
An Erupting Tooth – Swollen gums around a tooth can happen to children whose permanent teeth are erupting or to adults whose wisdom tooth is about to erupt. If there is insufficient room for an erupting tooth, this can result in inflamed gums around the teeth.
Allergies – Allergies to coffee, chocolate, spicy foods, cheese, nuts, eggs, or strawberries can cause swollen gums. As much as possible, avoid eating foods that will irritate the gums. Moreover, avoid gum irritants such as tobacco and betel nut.
How to Relieve Swollen Gums
1. Proper Oral Care
Brush your teeth using circular movements with a soft bristle toothbrush for 2 minutes after every meal. To prevent early tooth decay, use fluoride toothpaste. Rinsing your mouth with an anti-microbial mouthwash can also help.
2. Proper Sanitation
Always wash your hands before eating or touching your gums and teeth. Also, guard your tooth against germs and dirt by using a brush cover and changing your toothbrush every 3 months or earlier if the bristles are already worn out.
3. Cold/Hot Compress
A cold compress will constrict the blood vessels, thereby reducing the swelling. A hot compress, on the other hand, will relieve pain efficiently.
If the inflamed gum around your tooth does not get better after doing these tips, visit your dentist right away. He will definitely provide you with further advice. With excellent oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings, you have nothing to worry about.
Looking for a dentist in K.R Puram, Bangalore? Dr. MGS Prasad and our staff would love to hear from you. Contact us today!