What is gum inflammation?
Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, is a common form of gum disease that affects the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. It’s caused by a build-up of bacteria, which leads to the formation of plaque and tartar on your teeth and along the gumline.
The symptoms of inflamed gums may include red and swollen gums, sensitive gums, and bleeding when you brush or floss. In some cases, the gums may also recede or pull away from the teeth, and bad breath may occur.
If left untreated, gum inflammation can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which can cause permanent damage to your teeth, gums, and bone that supports them.
If you suspect you may have gum disease, it’s really important to see your dentist, who will be able to diagnose your gum inflammation and offer you an effective treatment plan.
What are the causes of gum inflammation?
The main cause of gum inflammation is the buildup of plaque bacterial on and around your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth when sugars and starches in food combine with saliva. When plaque is not regularly removed by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can irritate and cause inflamed gums.
Besides the buildup of plaque bacteria, there are other factors that can cause gum inflammation, including:
Poor oral hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly enough, or if you’re using the wrong technique, you may experience swollen gums.
Smoking: Smoking weakens your immune system and makes it more difficult for your body to fight off gum infections.
Hormonal changes: Changes in your hormones during pregnancy, puberty and menopause can make you more susceptible to gum inflammation.
Certain medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and some heart medications can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of inflamed gums.
Some diseases: Certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can cause gum inflammation and gum disease.
How to treat swollen gums
The treatment for swollen gums depends on the underlying cause of the gum inflammation. In many cases, it’s caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria, so the first step to treating swollen and painful gums is to improve your oral health regime. Treatment for gum inflammation can either be done by your dentist or by yourself at home.
Inflamed gums can be treated by your dentist. If you suspect you have gum inflammation, it’s best to visit your dentist so they can accurately diagnose and treat the condition. Your dentist may treat gum inflammation in a number of different ways, including:
Professional cleaning: A professional clean can remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums. This can help to reduce gum inflammation and prevent further gum disease.
Scaling and root planing: This is a deeper cleaning that involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline.
Antibiotics: If your swollen and painful gums are caused by a bacterial infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.
Special mouthwash: Your dentist may prescribe a special oral rinse that can help to prevent gingivitis and reduce plaque.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged gum tissue.
Home treatment
There are a number of ways you can prevent and treat gum inflammation at home. If you suspect you have swollen gums, it’s best to visit your dentist for their expert medical advice.
Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, like our meridol Soft Toothbrush, and a gum protection toothpaste like our Parodont Expert Toothpaste that contains antibacterial ingredients to inhibit and reduce the formation of plaque. You should also floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
Rinse with mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash like our meridol Gum Protection Mouthwash with a dual active formula that has a fast and long-lasting antibacterial effect*.
Apply warm compresses: Apply a warm compress to the affected area to help reduce gum inflammation and ease pain.
Use over-the-counter pain medication: You can take over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve pain and reduce gum inflammation.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can irritate your gums and delay healing.
*Plaque bacteria, ‘fast’ and ‘long-lasting’ confirmed in lab.
How to prevent swollen gums
There are things you can do at home to help prevent swollen and painful gums like maintaining good oral hygiene and using gum protection products like our meridol Gum Protection Toothpaste and Mouthwash. You should also visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and avoiding smoking can also help to keep your gums healthy.
