What Does It Mean When Gums Are Puffy?
You know that you have to take care of your teeth between dental appointments, but it is important not to neglect your gums. Sometimes we don’t pay attention to our gums until they are showing signs of problems. When your gums are puffy, sore, bleeding, red, and swollen there is something more serious happening in your mouth or even your body. Often when your gums are inflamed, you have gum disease that needs to be treated, but there are other reasons your gums are uncomfortable.
Gum Disease
For American adults over the age of 35, nearly 75% of that population have one form of gum disease or another. The milder case is gingivitis and the more advanced one is periodontitis. Both stages of the disease need to be addressed by a professional but gingivitis can be stopped and the effects can be reversed. If it progresses to periodontitis, then you may start to suffer bone loss or even tooth loss. The bacteria present along the gumline causes the gums to swell and separate from the teeth.
Brushing Technique
You already know the suggestions of twice yearly dental appointments and caring for your oral health at home between cleanings. Your routine should include brushing twice a day, flossing and even using an oral rinse to clear out any remaining debris. If you are trying to avoid gum disease and plaque causing cavities, you may be inclined to brush your teeth aggressively or to use a firm toothbrush. Instead, it is recommended to use a soft bristled toothbrush in gentle circular motions; this technique can prove to clean your teeth and gums effectively. You may need to talk to the dentist about suggestions for different equipment to minimize your gum swelling.
Flossing Technique
After brushing, use dental floss between your teeth to remove any remaining debris that brushing did not remove. Take care to slide the floss along the side of the tooth up to the gums and gently below the gums. Forcing the floss between the teeth can damage the gums and result in puffy, bleeding tissue.
Changes in Hormones
As women’s hormone levels change through puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, the body can increase blood flow to different parts of the body, Your gums can become swollen, puffy, red, and even bleed easier with the increased blood flow. In fact, some women regularly suffer from menstrual gingivitis and other women develop gingivitis in the second and third trimesters.
Chemotherapy
While you are working to treat your cancer, one of the side effects of the medication is often swollen gums.
Canker Sores
If you have ever had a canker sore, you already know about the pain that they cause. When they are forming, the beginning stage can include swelling in the gums and the soft tissue in your mouth. You may not be able to see the white center and red border yet, but it should be able to heal on its own. If your sores are persistent, talk to the dentist about the best way to help them heal.
Tobacco Use
Any nicotine product whether its traditional cigarettes or an electronic cigarette can cause damage to the soft tissue in your mouth. It is statistically shown that people who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease.