Swollen Gums Cry For Immediate Relief

It is estimated by dental associations that about 60 percent of the American population is suffering from some stage of gum disease, even though only about three percent of them seek treatment. For those who have experienced the discomfort of swollen gums, treatment is the one thing they usually cannot ignore. In some instances, swollen gums are nothing more than a slight inconvenience. For others it can be an exceptionally painful experience, depending on the level of gum disease with which they are infected.

Gum disease typically begins with a build up of plaque between the teeth and gums, with the first stage called gingivitis. A dental probe is used by the dentist to determine the depth of the infection by probing between the teeth and the gum line where the tooth is attached to the jaw gone. Periodontitis is the next stage of gum disease and although gingivitis is often accompanied by swollen gums, the second stage always has them present.

There are many instances in which the swollen gums are so bad they hide the teeth. In healthy gums, the skin is bright pink and tight. In later stages of gum disease the swollen gums are red, often protruding through the teeth and may appear to be shiny. The gums may also hold pockets of bacteria, which are the main cause of the gum disease. When the pockets break open, the bacteria is usually swallowed or absorbed into the blood stream and ends up in other parts of the body.

One of the main problems with the bacteria from swollen gums getting into the system is it can end up in the heart, causing heart attack or in the blood vessels leading to the brain leading to a stroke. It is important to treat swollen gums as soon as they are discovered, either by visiting a healthcare professional or through the use of home remedies such as salt water rinsing or other botanical recipes.

Prior to beginning any treatment for swollen gums it may be wise to contact a physician to determine if it is a lack of oral hygiene causing the problem or some other medical condition or reaction that is to blame. There are some medications that can cause swollen gums. By treating the symptoms the allergy will go unchecked, possibly causing other medical problems, unrelated to that for which the medication was prescribed.

Additionally, gum disease may be caused by poor nutrition and infections. Until the underlying cause has been determined, a positive cure cannot be found. Gum disease allowed to become worse without interference can lead to bleeding gums and the possibility the teeth will fall out.