Are Swollen Gums Always A Sign Of Gum Disease?

In a majority of cases, swollen gums can be present for a few days before they become apparent. For those who practice good oral hygiene they can come as a shock. However, even the cleanest, well-cared for mouth can end up with swollen gums since they are not always caused by bacteria in the mouth. Allergies can lead to swollen gums as well as negative reactions to some medications. It is important to understand the cause of the problem before attempting to cure the issue.

A recent change in toothpaste or mouthwash can lead to swollen gums, unrelated to their habits of caring for their teeth. When gums become swollen upon trying new products, the simplest solution is to go back to the previously used product to see if the problem goes away in a couple of days. If it does not, it may be necessary to seek professional help. The best products for your oral health are those that are 100% natural. There are not likely any major commercial brands that are all-natural.

Food allergies can also cause swollen gums and logically, simply avoiding those foods should ease the swelling in the gums. However, since swollen gums due to infection do not always appear overnight, it could be a few days before it becomes obvious that a problem exists. Slight swelling may also appear if a food particle has become lodged in the gum between one or more teeth. Often, no amount of effort will extract it.

In many cases, the swelling will come on slowly as the infection continues to grow. When first discovered, the home remedy of rinsing the mouth three or four times a day with salt water will often slow or even stop the progression of the infection. If the infection is allowed to continue unabated, it can lead to more severe dental problems as well as health issues, unrelated to the mouth.

Plaque growing on the teeth can allow the infection to get into the blood stream leading to heart attack and stroke. While good oral hygiene is important to the health of the teeth, it is equally important to the overall health as well. Additionally, swollen gums can cause the gums to recede. This can start giving the teeth an appearance of being longer. In addition, it can cause the teeth to become loose in the jawbone, which can lead to them falling out.

Infectious bacteria can also spur the creation of cavities leading to tooth decay. Dentists today no longer recommend six-month dental check-ups. Rather, they recommend an interval based on the oral health of each individual patient. There may be some patients who can go a year between examinations while others may need to have their dentist look over their mouth as much as five times a year. In any case, regular dental exams can help spot the formation of swollen gums and play a role in preventive measures.