What is Gum Inflammation, and is it a Big Deal?

You may not think much about your gums, but they play a significant role in your overall health. Gum inflammation is a common problem that can cause various health issues if left untreated. This article will discuss gum inflammation, its causes, symptoms, and how to prevent it from happening.

Gum inflammation is the medical term for swollen gums. Inflammation is caused by several things, including poor dental hygiene. Unlike healthy gums, which are pink and firm, your gums will appear red and swollen if you have gum inflammation.

What are the Signs of Gum Inflammation?

Symptoms of gum inflammation include red or purple gums, bleeding gums, and pain in the gum line. Your gums will also appear puffy or swollen. If left untreated, gum inflammation can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. 

What are the Causes of Gum Inflammation?

Poor Dental Health 

Poor dental hygiene is one of the most common causes. Often not brushing or flossing regularly or failing to use the proper techniques when you do brush and floss can lead to oral health problems, including gum inflammation. 

Plaque Buildup

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove and can lead to gum inflammation.

Gingivitis 

Gingivitis is another common cause of gum inflammation. There are over 200,000 cases of Gingivitis in the US every year. It’s a mild gum disease usually caused by poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup leading to a bacterial infection. People who have it often suffer from puffy, red, or receding gums. 

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection that can destroy your teeth. Periodontal disease leads to damage to the bones and connective tissues that support the teeth and lead to gum inflammation

Complications from Gum Inflammation

If gum inflammation is left untreated, it can lead to many serious health problems. These include tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Gum inflammation can also make it difficult to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. How can you prevent gum inflammation?

How can you prevent gum inflammation?

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent gum inflammation from happening in the first place.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

The best way to prevent gum inflammation is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes, and floss daily. Be sure to use the proper techniques when brushing and flossing to ensure that all of the plaque is removed.

Regular Dental Exams 

See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. It's recommended to visit your dentist every six months. If they see signs of inflammation, they will help you treat it, so it doesn't get worse.

Quit Smoking

Finally, if you smoke, quit!  Smoking is one of the leading causes of gum inflammation. If you can't stop on your own, many resources are available to help you.

What are the treatments available?

If you already have gum inflammation, there are a few different things your dentist can do to help. First, they will perform a professional cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth. They may also recommend that you use a special mouthwash or toothpaste to help control the bacteria in your mouth. Second, they may prescribe antibiotics to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria to clear the infection. Finally, if the inflammation is severe, they may recommend surgery to repair the damage. (Yes, it is that serious!)

Keep Inflammation At Bay with Good Oral Healthcare!

Gum inflammation is a serious condition that can lead to many health problems if it isn’t treated. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, and see your dentist regularly, so you can catch it early and treat it before it gets worse!