Swollen, tender gums can be a real pain. Caused by a variety of conditions, from gingivitis to pregnancy to burning mouth syndrome, swollen gums are not a welcome visitor for any length of time. While we’d all rather they go away more quickly than not, the timeframe for ridding oneself of swollen gums depends on the condition and the treatment required. Read on for more information on the causes related to swollen gums as well as the necessary length and type of treatment.
Swollen Gums Caused by Irritation
While puffy, inflamed gums can indeed be the sign of a more serious problem, this inflammation can also be caused by simple irritation. This could be due to a minor scrape or overly rigorous toothbrushing, an allergic reaction to a food or oral product, or even overuse of an alcohol-containing mouthwash.
Happily, gums that are swollen due to these kinds of irritants can be quickly returned to normal by identifying the irritating product or practice and eliminating it. While your gums are recovering (and also as a general practice), be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush in gentle, circular motions, and floss with care.
Inflamed Gums as a Symptom of Gum Disease
If an irritant or injury isn’t immediately apparent, swollen gums could also be due to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. In fact, this is the most common cause of inflamed, sore gums, especially those that begin to pull away from the teeth.
Gum disease takes root when teeth are not adequately cleaned over long periods of time. This might start with brushing and flossing practices that are not as good as they could be, and quickly becomes compounded when exacerbated by a lack of regular visits to one’s dentist. In addition to the check-ups that your dentist does, the cleanings provided by your dental hygienist are instrumental in keeping gum disease at bay. This is because gum disease begins to develop when built up tartar and plaque on one’s teeth begin to infect the soft tissues of the gums. Left in place, this detritus has an increasingly damaging effect on these tissues; if not treated, gingivitis can then turn into the more problematic forms of advanced gum disease, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
Luckily, the first stage of gum disease, which is signaled by puffy, tender gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing, can be effectively reversed. All that is required is a visit to one’s dentist for a thorough cleaning, and a commitment to following the instructions that you are given concerning brushing and flossing.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Less commonly, sore, swollen gums can be part of a host of symptoms associated with burning mouth syndrome. While the direct cause of this syndrome remains unclear, it has been reported by those with nutritional deficiencies, endocrine problems, high stress levels, and even fluctuations in hormone levels. If you are experiencing a persistent burning sensation throughout your gums and other soft oral tissues, you may want to see a doctor as well as a dentist to identify any underlying conditions that may require attention.