Why Are My Gums Inflamed?

Inflamed gums usually mean something is irritating the gum tissue. Inflamed gums may look red of their usual pink. Inflamed gums may feel swollen when you brush. Inflamed gums can bleed sometimes. Annoying, yes.. There is usually a reason behind inflamed gums.

The common cause of inflamed gums is plaque. Plaque forms along the gumline when bacteria build up on teeth and if plaque stays there inflamed gums can become irritated. Over time that irritation can change into gingivitis, which’s an early form of gum disease.

Plaque Is Often the Main Problem

Here is the thing. You can brush teeth every day. Still leave plaque sitting around the gumline especially if you rush through brushing or skip cleaning between teeth. That soft film does not always feel like anything at first. Then inflamed gums start complaining.

Your gums may become inflamed because of:

• Plaque hanging around the gumline especially if brushing has been rushed lately.

• Flossing suddenly after weeks of not doing it. A little bleeding at first is not unusual. Persistent bleeding deserves attention.

• A appliance or rough edge rubbing the area, which is especially irritating when the spot keeps getting knocked.

• Hormonal changes can make gum tissue more sensitive. Pregnancy is an example.

What Gingivitis Feels Like

Gingivitis does not always hurt. That is part of the problem. You might notice puffiness around a few teeth. See blood when you spit after brushing. Your breath may smell different too.

Because there is often little pain it is easy to think the swelling will disappear by itself. It often does not. Better cleaning usually helps gingivitis but established gum disease needs a dentist to check what is happening underneath the gumline.

Other Reasons Your Gums Might Swell

Plaque is not the possibility. An infection around a tooth can cause swelling in one area. A food particle stuck between two teeth can do something irritation from brushing too hard can also cause swelling.

Some medicines also affect the gums. Certain health conditions can play a role well. So if inflamed gums keep coming despite good daily cleaning it is worth getting it checked rather than endlessly changing toothpaste.

What You Can Do Now

Start with gentle cleaning. Use a toothbrush and take your time around the gumline. Clean between teeth well because brushing alone does not reach those spaces properly.

Do not stop brushing because inflamed gums bleed. That is a reaction but it usually leaves more plaque behind. Be gentle instead.

If inflamed gums are very swollen, painful or bleeding regularly book a check. Swelling around one tooth deserves attention especially if you also have a bad taste or worsening pain.

When Inflamed Gums Need Attention

A little irritation after aggressive brushing is one thing. Inflamed gums that stay swollen, for weeks are different.

If you develop facial swelling, severe pain, fever or trouble swallowing do not sit on it and hope it settles. Dental infections can become serious.