When it comes to oral health, most people often think only about dental health, such as cavities or tartar buildup, forgetting that “teeth cannot be healthy without good gum health to support them.” Therefore, whenever you feel gum pain, swelling, redness, or bleeding while brushing, it may be a warning sign of inflammation that could lead to the loss of otherwise healthy teeth…
What Does Healthy Gum Look Like?
The gums are an important part of the oral organs, responsible for holding the teeth in the jawbone to withstand chewing forces. Generally, people have light pink or darker gums depending on genetics or individual characteristics, but usually, the color is uniform. Healthy gums typically have smooth edges that fit tightly against the teeth, with a pointed edge along the tooth neck. The tissue is firm but not swollen.
Signs of Oral Health from Swollen and Inflamed Gums
Swollen and inflamed gums are common symptoms that can be observed through side effects such as bleeding while brushing, a change in gum color from light pink or the original color to dark red, or swelling.
When gums are inflamed, it affects daily life, causing gum irritation, pain or soreness, tooth sensitivity, toothache, and reluctance to drink water or chew food, leading to poor health and potentially causing tooth loss. Therefore, if you start experiencing gum problems, you should promptly see a doctor to identify the cause, prevent progression, and plan treatment immediately.
What Causes Swollen Gums?
There are many causes of swollen and inflamed gums, ranging from mild to severe conditions that can become dangerous if not treated promptly. Therefore, if you have any of the following symptoms or concerns, do not ignore them. It is better to see a doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment. Causes may include:
- Gingivitis, known as “Periodontal disease”, caused by plaque buildup in the mouth leading to tartar formation. Over time, this irritates the gums and causes inflammation.
- Oral infections due to improper cleaning of teeth and gums.
- Tooth decay, especially if it spreads to the dental pulp, causing swollen gums with small bumps, pus, and large cavities. This condition requires urgent treatment to prevent tooth loss.
- Impacted wisdom teeth causing continuous irritation over time.
- Bone spurs pushing the gums outward, causing inflammation.
- Gum injury from canker sores located exactly on the gum area.
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamins B and C, which are related to the strength of teeth and gums.
- Side effects from certain medications, such as some birth control pills and anticonvulsants.
- Irritation from dental appliances, such as braces, retainers, or dentures.
- Hormonal changes that increase plaque buildup in the mouth, especially in pregnant women.
- Tumors, which may be noticed by swollen, cauliflower-like gums, numbness, and rapid progression.
Additionally, gum inflammation can result from certain oral care behaviors, such as switching toothpaste or mouthwash that may trigger allergic reactions or irritation, causing mouth sores. Using a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard or improper flossing techniques can also contribute.
Treatment… When Facing Swollen and Inflamed Gums
Although swollen gums can have many causes, if detected early, they can be treated and healed, especially before the surrounding bone and tissue supporting the teeth are affected. Treatment options include:
- Scaling and root planing using ultrasonic scalers and specialized dental tools to remove tartar and plaque deeply embedded on the root surfaces in the gum pockets, both above and below the gum line, to clean and smooth the root surfaces. This removes plaque and tartar above and below the gums.
- After treatment, maintain proper and regular oral hygiene, such as brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach under the gum line without irritating the gums. The toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, brushing from bottom to top and top to bottom. Proper flossing technique involves inserting floss between teeth, wrapping it into a C shape against the tooth surface, gently cleaning, and reaching below the gum line for every tooth to prevent plaque buildup and new tartar formation. Patients may also undergo saliva scaling (removal of hard deposits on teeth) twice a year to prevent disease recurrence.
Oral health is important, especially the health of teeth and gums. Therefore, we should know the correct care methods and regularly visit the dentist for dental check-ups and scaling at least once a year. We certainly do not want swollen gums, toothaches, or tooth loss, which not only impair chewing but also affect appearance and confidence. However, all gum and dental health problems can be prevented and treated by regularly seeing a dentist.
