Swollen Gums Detract From Perfect Teeth

There are numerous products on the market that push for whiter teeth and many of them perform up to their promise. However, regardless of how white and bright a person's smile may be, the products fail to mention they do nothing to prevent swollen gums. Good oral health involves more than clean, white teeth. Many of the products that promise to whiten the teeth are not developed to help remove plaque or other infectious bacteria that are growing between the teeth and gums.

Additionally, it is entirely possible to have the whitest teeth on the block, hidden behind swollen gums. Many times the gums swell to the point they appear to recede at the top, making the teeth look a lot longer than they really are. In addition, the teeth whitening steps may not have reached the upper part of the teeth, giving the smile a two-toned appearance.

When looking into using teeth whitening products, it is important to consider the overall health of the mouth. Brushing and flossing is not always enough to promote good oral health. Infections are still possible if the person does not take adequate steps to remove plaque from under the gums. Most toothbrushes will perform adequately in removing the plaque that the user can see. However, when it is hidden under the gums on the teeth it can turn into plaque, resulting in infection as well as gingivitis.

Once an infection sets in and the person suffers from swollen gums, it can take several days of antibiotics to get rid of the underlying problem. Until then, the gums may appear red and shiny and be extremely sensitive to the touch. Simply eating and brushing can become a painful experience, prompting many to put off cleaning their teeth until the pain goes away.

Depending on the severity of the swollen gums, the treatment may include a trip to a medical professional for prescription medication to do away with the infection. Inflammation of the gums can be painful as well as unsightly. But, with the proper care should begin to return to normal in a few days. If inflamed gums tend to bleed while brushing with a stiff toothbrush, switching to a softer bristle brush is recommended.

If the swollen gums are caused by an allergy to toothpaste, mouthwash or medication, stop using the product immediately. If the gums continue to be swollen and inflamed, professional medical advice should be sought to prevent the problem from developing into a more serious medical problem.

Plaque from underneath swollen gums has been known to spread bacteria into the bloodstream, causing heart attacks and stroke. The sooner this condition is treated the less opportunity the infection has to move into the blood. Nutrition plays a major role in good oral health as well. If it is determined the swollen gums is caused by a lack of Vitamin C, consuming citrus juice may be a good line of defense in preventing this from occurring.