Your teeth are vital; so are your gums. When some patients of Nicholas S St George DDS visit his office, they ask, “Why are my gums inflamed?”
Gum inflammation is a common mouth disease. There are several reasons for it. To understand the causes, you must first know what your gums consist of.
Your gums are made of pink tissue. This tissue is full of blood vessels, making it prone to swelling. If the gums become inflamed, they swell. The swelling can start in the area where the gums and teeth meet.
If left untreated, the swelling can cause the gums to cover some parts of your teeth. Gum swelling can be painful and sensitive to the touch. Thus, when you brush or floss your teeth, your gums will bleed easily.
What Causes Your Gums to Become Inflamed?
Inflamed gums cause serious discomfort. One of the most common causes of gum inflammation is gum disease. However, inadequate dental hygiene may also be the culprit.
Apart from those factors, tobacco use and hormone changes can play a huge role in gum inflammation. However, you are not alone. Over 50 percent of Americans suffer from or have experienced early gum disease. It is a common ailment in the US.
Gum inflammation can be a symptom of gingivitis. It is an early form of gum disease that affects millions of American every year.
With this condition, you will notice that your gums bleed easily when you are brushing or flossing. While gingivitis is not serious, if left untreated, it can progress and cause a more serious condition. Worse, you will face a high risk of losing your tooth.
If gum disease is not treated early, it can advance to periodontitis. This is a gum disease that can cause debilitating pain.
Periodontitis causes your teeth to loosen, as the disease affects the tissue that holds your teeth in place.
If you have this condition, visit your dentist as soon as possible to prevent it from causing long-term health effects.
Treating Inflamed Gums
If your gums are inflamed, consult your dentist for the right treatments. Dr. Nicholas S St George can point out the issue of inflamed tissues so that you can enjoy better gum health.
Luckily, several options are available to treat your inflamed gums and stop your suffering.
Apart from getting treatment at your dental office, you must clean your teeth properly. The fact that you have inflamed gums does not mean that you should stop cleaning your teeth.
Dr. Nicholas S St George will teach you the proper brushing technique to prevent further tissue damage around your teeth. Consider using a soft brush to prevent further gum damage.
In addition to brushing, you should floss diligently. Flossing is necessary for maintaining healthy gums and teeth as it removes any food debris that might remain between your teeth.
These remaining food particles can cause plaque and tartar build-up that leads to inflamed gums. When you do floss, be gentle with your gums.
To learn about the proper treatments for your inflamed gums, please visit Dr. Nicholas S St George’s dental office or schedule an appointment today.