Figuring Out What Causes Swollen Gums

There are a few reasons people suffer from swollen gums. However, the sooner they find the reason, the sooner they can eliminate this unsightly and unhealthy oral problem. In most instances, swollen gums are caused by a build up of plaque (a thin film of bacteria that develops on the teeth from poor oral hygiene). Periodontitis (gum disease) usually results from plaque allowed to grow unabated. If left unchecked, it will lead to loss of teeth.

Blood vessels in the gums pump blood throughout the body. If the infection in the swollen gums breaks free and enters the blood stream, the infection will be spread throughout the body. It can cause fever, heart attack and stroke, as the infectious bacteria makes its way into the heart.

It has been estimated that about 33-percent of the population suffers from some form of periodontitis, although some of the sufferers don’t realize it for months. Not all cases are caused by poor oral hygiene or a build up of plaque on the teeth underneath the gum line. Many drugs work as blood thinners (aspirin and some prescription medications) and can cause gum disease due to the lack of blood clotting. Mouth ulcers caused by the lack of Vitamin C can also cause swollen gums.

One of the many hazards of swollen gums includes their propensity to bleed from brushing with a stiff toothbrush or from being opened by using dental floss too harshly. In most cases professionals advise if the gums become too sensitive to brushing, using a softer brush can reduce the possibility of bleeding. But in any case, good oral hygiene is the main means by which to reduce the swelling.

If food particles have become lodged between the gums and the teeth, there may by localized swelling. Once the offending particle in removed, the swelling will usually go down, provided any infection has been removed. If the gums tend to swell after using strong toothpaste or alcohol-based mouthwash, it is obvious ceasing the use of these products will help reduce the possibility of swelling. Natural oral health products are best for the health of your mouth.

Malnutrition, pregnancy and ill fitted dentures can all lead to swollen gums. Once the causes have been eliminated, the swelling will usually go away. However, it is important to remember swollen gums are not an issue in themselves. Rather, they are a signal something else is going on in the mouth or body. By eliminating the underlying problem, the symptom of swollen gums will disappear.

In some cases the gums can swell so badly they hide the teeth altogether. In these extreme cases, it will be necessary to seek professional help. But, there are many natural remedies to reduce the swelling and to insure they do not reach the point in the first place.