Puffy or Bleeding Inflamed Gums
Swollen and inflamed gums can be very uncomfortable and can bleed when you brush and floss. Tender gums can be a result of any number of things including poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, chemotherapy, pregnancy or other hormone changes. Gum disease occurs in two stages, gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is very common. Your dentist can help you reverse the effects of gingivitis and prevent it from progressing into periodontitis. Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that can lead to gum recession and even lost teeth.
How are inflamed gums treated?
When treated early, inflamed gums can be easily reversed! Below are some treatment options you might consider.
Improve your oral hygiene routine: It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush and if you are suffering from inflamed and bleeding gums, it may be beneficial for you to include a toothpaste with a gum care formula to help remove bacteria and plaque buildup. Make sure you are gentle brushing as using too much pressure can irritate already inflamed gum tissue.
Flossing is incredibly important for the health of your gum tissue and teeth. Flossing removes food particles and bacteria that get caught between your teeth. When you floss, be careful to wiggle the floss down between teeth instead of popping it through. If your teeth have tight contact, it can be hard to get the floss in between them but if you allow the floss to snap down, you can cut already inflamed gum tissue.
If you were unable to brush and floss after every meal, simply rinsing your mouth with water can help remove food particles and debris that can lead to gum disease.
Improve daily habits: Like your overall health, the health of your gums can be improved with a healthy diet. If you already suffer from inflamed gums, eating crunchy foods can irritate them further.
Stress is another factor that can actually lead to swollen gums. High levels of stress can affect your hormone levels including cortisol which can lead to inflammation in the gums.
Inflamed and bleeding gums are easily managed so it is important to visit your dentist for treatment before advanced stages of gum disease develop. Visit is your dentist if you suffer from inflamed gums so they can help determine the cause and provide the necessary treatment. Left untreated, inflamed gums can progress into advanced periodontal disease which leads to gum recession and even tooth loss.