What Caused Your Swollen Gums?

Are your gums tender to the touch, angry red in appearance and seem like they are a bit bloated? Does it hurt to simply brush your teeth, even if you are using a soft toothbrush? Does it appear as if your toothpaste or oral rinse is making the pain worse? If the answer is a resounding “yes”, then the odds are good you are suffering from swollen gums. Swollen gums are often called gingival swelling by dental professionals. This circumstance is hard to ignore! Even if at first you succeed, over time the swelling increases and the pain gets a lot worse. It can even start affecting your ability to enjoy certain foods and beverages.

No matter what you call the condition, the fact is it’s an uncomfortable and painful experience. The pain can make this condition a premier reason to seek out the help of a dentist. The dentist is a medical professional and will be certain to ask a number of questions to get to the bottom of the cause for your swollen gums. Nothing is assumed or taken for granted. Even if you have neglected to keep your twice annual appointments for a number of years, the dentist more than likely will not assume your swollen gums are the result of poor dental hygiene.

Information requested by most dentists includes whether or not the swelling is accompanied by bleeding. In addition, your dentist will wonder when the swelling started. Knowing a timeline helps the professional see a progression in the condition or pinpoints it as a possible allergic reaction to something your gum tissues came in contact with. Probably the most dreaded question of the mix deals with your quality and frequency of dental hygiene. Other questions your dentist may ask could include nutritional habits. Lastly, your dentist may wonder if you are currently taking prescription or over the counter medicines.

Answering all of these questions honestly and completely gives your dentist the picture he needs to formulate a diagnosis. Your answers can also clue your dentist into what caused your swollen gums in the first place. Even more importantly, detailed answers are sure to reveal the best course of action to halt the condition and reverse it. Usually the same condition making your gums swell up can be dealt with quickly and effectively (with minimum added discomfort).

You may be wondering what caused your swollen gums and which conditions are usually associated with such the bothersome symptom. Gingivitis is the most commonly mentioned culprit by dentists. However, other conditions are also known to cause swollen gums. So, don’t be too quick with your self diagnosis! Some conditions are sensitive to oral hygiene products, especially when they contain harsh chemicals or are alcohol based. Unhealthy nutritious habits and viral infections can also cause swollen gums, however. Additionally, swollen gums linked to hormonal flux are not as uncommon as you may think!