How to Treat Swollen Gums
There are multiple reasons why your gums may become swollen. But no matter what caused the swelling, when your gums become inflamed it can cause discomfort while doing normal activities, like eating, drinking cold fluids or brushing your teeth. Gum disease is the first thought that comes to mind, but there are other factors to consider as well. Here is a quick look at the most common causes of swollen gums:
- Gingivitis: This is by far the most common culprit for inflamed gums. Bacteria are the root of the problem, and if you don’t treat it quickly enough, it turns into gingivitis (when your gums turn red and bleed easily). To prevent this, you need to keep plaque and tartar from piling up on your enamel.
- Periodontitis: This is similar to gingivitis in that it causes inflammation around your tooth. This is an upgrade from gingivitis, making it more severe. This is where you end up if you don’t properly treat gingivitis. At this point, your gums will begin pulling away from your teeth, causing more of it to be exposed. Pockets are then created in between your teeth, which are easier to become infected.
- Nutritional deficiency: Your teeth and gums need proper nutrition to sustain themselves. Vitamins you need include vitamin B and C. Vitamin C is the key to repairing and maintaining your gums and teeth, so when you lack this vital mineral, it can lead to gum swelling.
- Pregnancy: Many pregnant women suffer from a hormonal imbalance that causes blood circulation to go out of whack. More blood flowing to the mouth and gums can lead to inflammation.
- Mouth infections: There are various fungi and viruses that can lead to swollen gums. You will have to visit Birmingham dentists to have the underlying infection properly treated.
Dealing with swollen gums can be annoying and painful. Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce the issues associated with swollen gums. Let’s review some of the options you have.
Apply Warm and Cold Compresses
Heating and icing the affected area are effective treatments for treating inflammation and pain, even when it’s in your mouth. You can use warm and cold compresses to help provide relief from the soreness and to assist with reducing the swelling. Just hold the compresses to your face where the gums are swollen. No need to put them directly into your mouth.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide as Mouth Wash
You can use hydrogen peroxide for more than just cuts and bruises – it can also be used to reduce inflammation and pain caused to your gums. Just make sure it’s food grade with no more than three percent hydrogen peroxide. Mix it together in water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. Rinse it out using warm water. This can be done two or three times weekly.
Diagnose the Root of the Problem
You should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Birmingham, AL to determine what exactly is causing your swelling. It’s always better to treat the underlying issue, not just the symptom. Your oral health is connected to your overall health, so you may learn you have another health condition that needs treating before your swollen gums can be eliminated. Your dentist can refer you to a health care professional if this is the case.
Try Anti-Inflammatory Medications
The swelling is what leads to the pain and soreness found in your gums, so if you can reduce the inflammation, you can ease the pain. One way to do this is using medications that are anti-inflammatory. This is only a temporary solution, which can help make it more manageable until you see your dentist in Birmingham, AL.
Eat Cold Foods
If you don’t have sensitivity in your teeth, you should try eating foods that are cold. Coolness helps to alleviate swelling and numbs the pain. You can try eating a freezer pop, ice cream cone or some frozen grapes.
Take Natural Herbs
If you want natural options for treating gum swelling, you can try herbs that can probably be found in your kitchen right now. Such ingredients include turmeric, aloe vera and black tea bags. You can turn turmeric into paste and apply it to your gums, steep the tea bags in boiling water and allow it to cool before placing it on the affected area, or apply aloe vera.
