Swollen Gums

Swelling of the gums is usually caused by the body’s inflammatory response to the presence of persistent plaque at the gum line. This happens when the plaque, instead of being removed at regular time intervals through daily brushing and flossing, remains at the gum line for days on end. Once inflamed, the gums become noticeably red, swollen, tender to the touch, and prone to bleeding on brushing or flossing.

Swelling of the gums are most often an early indictor of gingivitis, which is a completely reversible condition. If daily home oral hygiene practices are not improved, however, the gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, an irreversible condition that results in the loss of supporting bone. Sometimes a localized gum swelling may be the result of a gum abscess affecting one particular tooth. This is a dangerous condition that can lead to relatively rapid tooth loss.

Swelling of the gums is a reversible condition. The following are recommended:

• A consultation with a Periodontist: they will put a comprehensive plan together to help treat the condition and prevent if from ever reoccurring
• Practice thorough daily home brushing and flossing
• As a temporary solution before seeing a professional, you can try rinsing your mouth with a ¼ teaspoon of salt in a warm glass of water, to help reduce the discomfort