The Five Questions to Ask When You First Notice Swollen Gums

All of the literature tells you to visit your dentist when you notice swollen gums. Your mom might have warned you, the dentist who used to come and visit you in elementary school probably mentioned it and anything you have learned since then also points to the importance of visiting the dentist. When you consider visiting the dentist is one of the last things anyone would voluntarily do, there is little surprise people put off their dental appointments on a regular basis. Some people will suddenly purchase expensive mouthwashes in the hopes of reversing conditions that might be causing the swelling of gum tissues.

You may be wondering how to know when you can ignore swollen gums. Sure, they may be a temporary irritation brought on by a particular food item or the piece of pizza you bit into. But, swelling gum tissues are typically bearers of bad news. You must visit your dentist even if you have not entered her doors in many months or even years! Fortunately, there are a number of questions you can ask yourself as you try to ferret out what course of action to take. These five questions will be rather revealing!

First, do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or floss?

A bit of bleeding associated with less than careful brushing or flossing may be easily explained. But, bleeding that happens even when you are being careful is a distinct warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored. Advanced gum disease is around the corner for those who choose not visit the dentist!

Second, are your gums red or purple?

If they are red or even purple in parts, the signs of infection are present. Sadly, your swollen gums are definitely fit for the bad news category. Again, putting off the dentist visit is only going to make matters worse.

Third, are your gums receding?

Usually swollen gums and receding gums are not thought to go together. However, when you pay attention you will note after a certain amount of gum recession there is renewed swelling. Compare your smile to the one you had on last year’s Christmas card. If your teeth appear bigger or longer than last year, make a beeline to the dentist’s office.

Fourth, do you have bad breath?

Do you have friends or family members who will give you an honest answer? If the answer is “yes” to both, you are looking at a bacterial takeover. So, you guessed it! It is time for a dentist appointment.

Lastly, are your teeth wobbly?

Maybe you noticed you can tap one of the teeth with your finger and it appears to slightly give. Then again, perhaps you noticed while playing with your tongue in your mouth one tooth seems to lift up slightly at the edge. Combine this with the swollen gums and you know unless you are on your way to the dentist this afternoon, you will eventually feature a toothless grin. Don’t put if off any longer or undergo scary treatments for gum disease that began as swollen gums!