Swollen gums are usually a sign of an underlying oral issue such as infection or gum disease. If left untreated, they eventually lead to severe pain, bleeding and even tooth loss.
Here are some common causes of swollen gums that require you to get treatment from a dentist—and reasons why you should do so before it’s too late.
Bacterial Plaque
One of the most common reasons behind swollen gums is bacterial plaque. When the food particles stuck between your teeth are not removed, they allow harmful bacteria to fester.
Bacteria use the food and saliva in your mouth to create plaque. Plaque settles in your gum lines, trapping more bacteria in it.
Over time, plaque hardens to form tartar that not only causes cavities and swollen gums, but it also causes gum infection.
Gingivitis
If plaque is not properly removed from the teeth, it causes a gum disease known as gingivitis.
Gingivitis leads to irritation, bleeding and swelling of the gums. If not treated by a dentist in time, gingivitis can develop into a very serious gum infection called periodontitis or periodontal disease.
Pregnancy
Experiencing swollen gums is pretty common during pregnancy, even when you have great oral health.
Due to the rapid and significant changes in hormones, the blood flow to the gums increases, causing them to become swollen and sensitive.
Infections
Various infections can occur in the mouth, causing swelling in the gums.
Chronic infections like oral thrush—a yeast infection inside the mouth—causes gums to become swollen. Herpes is another infection that causes swelling in the gums.
Infected teeth lead to complications such as abscess—pus produced due to bacterial infections—which can also lead to swelling in particular areas of the gum.
Other Reasons
Swelling in the gums can occur due to many other reasons that might not be quite common. These include:
- Wearing poorly-fitted crowns, dentures, Invisalign or veneers
- Side-effects of a medication
- Sensitivity to ingredients in a mouthwash or toothpaste
- Malnutrition
Swollen gums may not seem like a big oral issue at first, but they might be a sign of serious oral infections or diseases. A dentist can identify the root cause of swollen gums and help treat the issue.
Get your dental treatment done from some of the best dentists in Woodland Hills, CA. Get in touch with our experienced dentists at West Hills Smiles.
Contact us today at (818) 346-4303 for same-day appointments and dental emergencies.