Your gums are not just the mucosal tissue that covers and protects the delicate interior parts of your teeth, they are also an important part of your mouth that can have an impact on wide-ranging bodily systems. When gums are healthy, they are pink, firm, and adhere closely to one’s teeth. When they are damaged or infected, they can become puffy, swollen, tender, and misshapen. Because infected gums can have a tremendous negative impact on both your oral and overall health, it is imperative to have such an issue diagnosed and treated right away.
Oral Hygiene and Other Practices that Can Lead to Inflamed Gums
While gum disease is the leading cause of inflamed gums, there are some at-home oral hygiene practices that can also lead to damaged, puffy gums. Namely, overly vigorous brushing or flossing – particularly when using a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush – can damage the delicate tissues of the gums over time, leading to puffy or swollen gums. Using a soft-bristled brush is preferred for this reason.
Likewise, overly rough flossing can also cause damage to the gums. Daily flossing is great, just be gentle with your gums while doing it.
Certain lifestyle choices can also lead to swollen, unhealthy gums. Tobacco, for example, is a clear contributor to poor gum health. Smoking, chewing, vaping, or otherwise using nicotine or tobacco has been shown to lead to poor outcomes for the soft tissues of the mouth, not only contributing to gum disease but also being proven to be a leading cause of various forms of oral cancers. If you smoke, please stop – not just for your gums but for your overall health.
Other Causes of Puffy Gums
The leading cause of swollen gums is gum disease, one of the most common oral health problems experienced by adults in the United States. Gum disease starts when built up plaque and tartar on one’s teeth start to introduce bacteria into the soft tissue of the gums, where it then replicates and grows.
Gum disease is a progressive disease, starting with the early, reversible form known as gingivitis and progressing to periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, which not only cannot be reversed but which can lead to tooth and bone loss over time, in spite of treatment. The best treatment for gum disease is early treatment, which is as simple as a good, thorough cleaning by your dental hygienist. Treatments get more invasive and uncomfortable over time, so being seen and treated early is in your best interest.
Other underlying conditions can also lead to puffy, inflamed gums. Certain medications, health conditions, or even vitamin deficiencies can lead to puffy gums. While your dentist may not treat those directly, an oral exam by a trained oral health professional can help diagnose other things that may require treatment by another kind of doctor.
When to See Your Dentist
While swollen or puffy gums do not constitute an emergency, they are an indicator of a problem that should be addressed if persistent. If you notice other symptoms along with a change in your gum tissue, such as loose teeth, bleeding, bad breath, or gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth, you should act quickly, as this could be a sign of infection that needs to be treated right away.
Whatever the cause, there is no reason to live with swollen, tender gums. Call your dentist today for a quick consultation and immediate treatment. Your gums will thank you!