Swollen or bleedings gums occur as a result of poor dental care and mostly is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth and gums. However, there are other common causes of gum inflammation including
- Gingivitis and periodontitis
- Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG – a severe form of gingivitis)
- Pericoronitis (a result of wisdom tooth eruption)
- Fillings which are not shaped correctly
- Orthodontic equipment, misaligned dentures or
- Hormonal changes.
It is not healthy or normal if your gums are swollen, red or bleed when brushing or flossing. Regular brushing and flossing remove the plaque that accumulates between your gum and teeth returning your gums to a healthy pink state.
However, your dentist or oral hygienist should be visited twice a year to make sure that deeper gum cleaning is done through scaling and root planning to help remove plaque that has accumulated under your gum line. This should ensure that your gums remain healthy and pain-free and should prevent them from receding over time.
The cause and symptoms of swollen and bleeding gums
Swollen gums are generally uncomfortable and is a signal of gum disease. Swollen gums are gums that are abnormally enlarged, bulging, protruding and sometimes bleeds. Red swollen gums are common and usually can be seen by the triangular bit of gum between the teeth which puff up.
Most commonly, most people have a mild form of gingivitis which is caused by a build-up of plaque due to improper oral care.
Other causes of such swollen and/or bleeding gums are
- Viral or fungal infections.
- Periodontitis occurs when bacteria penetrate the deeper tissue around the teeth destroying the tissue, ligaments, and bone.
- Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis aka ANUG is a severe form of periodontitis usually experienced by immune-compromised patients.
- Pericoronitis occurs as a result of wisdom tooth eruption causing friction to the gum line.
- Fillings that are not shaped correctly.
- Orthodontic equipment which irritates the gum line.
- Misaligned dentures which irritate the gum line.
- Poor nutrition.
- Sensitivity to toothpaste or brush.
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy or puberty.
- Side effects to certain medications.
- Medical issues such as scurvy.
A dentist should be consulted to do a proper diagnosis of what causes the swelling in order to treat appropriately.
Prevention of swollen and bleeding gums
Good and proper oral care is important in preventing gingivitis and swollen red bleeding gums. This includes:
- Proper oral care routine which includes brushing regularly (at least twice a day) with a soft-bristled brush, in a gentle circular or back and forth motion.
- Flossing between the teeth at least once a day to remove any food particles stuck between the teeth. These food particles lead to plaque build-up around the gums and cause gingivitis.
- A well-balanced diet including plenty of vitamin C and calcium.
- Avoid foods that irritate the gums as well as smoking and alcohol.
- Manage stress. Stress raises levels of the cortisol hormone resulting in inflammation throughout the body and can also result swollen sore gums.
- Regular scale and polish when you visit your dentist to remove the build-up of tartar/calculus to keep the gums and teeth healthy.
Treatment Option for swollen and bleeding gums
Scale and Polish
The removal of plaque and tartar buildup in and around the teeth is the best measure to stop the gums from irritation and resolve the discomfort. Book an appointment with your dentist for a regular scale and polish to immediately assist the situation.
Swollen Gum Treatment
If you suffer from a more advanced form of periodontal disease your dentist might recommend this treatment. Swollen gum treatment
If left untreated
The gums may start to bleed or ulcerate and the severity of the discomfort may increase.