What Does it Mean When Gums are Puffy
Oral health plays a vital role in overall health so it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, which is not confined to just the teeth! Healthy gum tissue is important to healthy teeth and bone structure so if you notice swollen and bleeding gums, that could be an indication of gum disease.
Fortunately, early stages of gum disease are treatable and reversible so it is important to address any issues as soon as they arise.
Gum Health and Oral Hygiene
During your oral care routine, it is important to not only follow through with brushing your flossing, but to do so properly. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, the bristles should be soft nylon, not medium or hard. Using a toothbrush that is too rigid can damage the enamel on your teeth or cause red and swollen gum tissue. Brush your teeth using gentle, circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth and massage your gum tissue. Using a back-and-forth motion can irritate and damage your gum tissue, making them sore and more prone to bleeding or recession.
Flossing is another important step in maintaining good oral hygiene. It can be difficult to reach some teeth in the back but there are a number of tools available to help you properly clean your teeth. Dental floss helps remove plaque from between teeth and places that your toothbrush just can’t reach. When you floss, gently slide the floss between teeth, using a C shape to work the floss up and down.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a very common problem for adults and can vary in severity. Mild gum disease presents as gingivitis which can progress into advanced periodontal disease called periodontitis if left untreated.
Poor oral hygiene is not the only culprit that can cause a person to have gum disease. Some people are genetically predisposed, may take certain medication that causes dry mouth and gum issues, or even pregnancy can cause gingivitis.
When plaque forms on the teeth and is not regularly removed with proper brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar and harbor bacteria in the gum pockets which can result in red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Gum inflammation is not usually painful and if caught early, gingivitis can usually be treated and any damage done, reversed. Left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis and can eventually lead to bone and tooth loss.
Additional Factors Affecting Gum Health
Patients who use cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products can greatly increase the risk of developing gum disease.
Hormones can also have a profound effect on gum health. Women may develop gum issues during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. A rise in hormones can cause an increase in blood flow to the gum tissue causing them to become red, swollen, and sensitive.
Chemotherapy treatment can also cause gum issues as well as its other negative side effects. Many patients undergoing cancer treatment often have a number of oral problems during treatment and after treatment is complete.