Swollen gums are a common problem for many people, but that certainly doesn't mean it’s OK to ignore them. Even when swelling isn’t associated with other symptoms, like toothache or tenderness, swelling isn’t normal — and it should always be treated seriously.
Identifying the cause of gum swelling is necessary for making sure you receive the right treatment and prevent further complications. In this post, the team at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC explains five common, treatable causes of swollen gums and what they may mean for your oral health.
Poor oral hygiene is a common cause of swollen gums. When you don’t brush and floss as often as you should — or when you’re using the wrong brushing and flossing techniques — sticky plaque builds up along the gumline.
Plaque contains millions of bacteria that release toxins, which in turn trigger irritation and inflammation. Over time, gums become red and puffy, making them more likely to bleed when you brush and floss.
Improving your personal oral care habits can help, but it’s also important to make sure you keep up with professional cleanings. These cleanings use special techniques and products designed to get rid of plaque and hard tartar while also preventing gum problems from getting worse.
Some swelling can occur when a particle of food, like a hard popcorn shell, gets stuck between your gum tissue and your tooth, or is simply jammed between two teeth. Fibrous or hard foods are common culprits, but chewing on objects (including — ironically — toothpicks) can lead to tiny particles becoming stuck, as well.
Not surprisingly, these tiny particles irritate gum tissue, leading to swelling. Unless they’re dislodged promptly, they can also cause serious infections.
While carefully flossing may remove some particles, when the object is firmly lodged between the gum and tooth, you might need professional intervention. Once the object is removed, swelling typically resolves fairly quickly, although an infection might require antibiotics or other therapies.
An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the site of a serious infection. These infections are frequently associated with localized swelling — and usually, a fair amount of discomfort, too.
If you have an abscessed tooth, you might notice a swollen lump or bump in the gum tissue near a particular tooth. You might have sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or pain when pressure is applied to your tooth.
Because abscesses are associated with more advanced infections, prompt dental care is essential. Left untreated, these infections can spread to other areas, causing widespread complications that require complex therapies.
Gum disease is a progressive condition that starts when sticky plaque and hard tartar deposits build up along your gum line. Germs inside plaque and tartar irritate your gums, causing an infection that slowly spreads down the tooth surface.
In its early stages (called gingivitis), gum disease causes red, puffy or swollen gums that are more prone to bleeding, too, even though you might not feel any pain at this stage.
As the infection progresses, swelling increases, too. Without treatment, you can wind up losing the tooth. In fact, gum disease is the top cause of tooth loss in American adults.
Root canal therapy plays an important role in protecting your oral health and preventing tooth loss. While most root canals are completely successful, in rare instances, a treatment can fail — particularly if the tooth anatomy is very complex.
Root canal failure happens when some germs are left behind, sometimes in “hidden” branches of the canal. In these instances, you may notice swelling in the gum tissue surrounding a treated tooth.
This type of swelling won’t go away on its own. It’s associated with a deep infection that requires medical care, typically root canal retreatment. The good news: Our team has significant experience in retreatment therapies focused on eradicating infections once and for all for better oral health and greater peace of mind.
Swollen, red, irritated, or bleeding gums are never normal, but fortunately, many underlying problems can be successfully treated when addressed early. To find out why your gums are swollen and what we can do to help, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
