Puffy or Bleeding Inflamed Gums

Our gums are very important to our oral health. The gums cover the bones in our mouth and are made of firm, thick, fibrous tissue that is full of blood vessels. It is common for the gums to become puffy or inflamed. When the gums become puffy or inflamed, it usually happens where the gum meets the teeth. Puffy and inflamed gums appear red instead of the normal pink color and are often irritated, sensitive, or painful. If your gums are swollen, you may also notice that they are bleeding easily when you brush or floss your teeth. What causes swelling of the gums and how do you treat it? Here is more information on puffy or bleeding inflamed gums.

What Causes Swollen Gums?

There are many possible causes of puffy, swollen, or inflamed gums. Most of these causes can be treated by a dentist once they are identified.

Gingivitis

The most common cause of swollen gums is gingivitis, or the earliest stage of gum disease. Most people that develop gingivitis don’t even know they have it because the symptoms can be quite mild. But, if left untreated, gingivitis can lead to much more serious gum disease which can result in tooth or bone loss. Gingivitis is the result of plaque building up along the gumline and teeth. Plaque is made up of bacteria and food particles that are deposited on the teeth over time. If plaque is not removed or cleaned off of the teeth, it becomes tartar which attacks the gum tissue. Tartar is much harder to remove and needs to be removed with a professional cleaning.

Pregnancy

You may be surprised to hear that swollen gums can occur during pregnancy. The hormones that increase during pregnancy may result in an increase of blood flow to the gums, leading to swelling. These hormones can also impact the body’s ability to fight off bacteria, increasing the chance of gingivitis. If you are pregnant and noticed your gums are swelling, it is not a bad idea to schedule a visit to the dentist for an exam and routine cleaning.

Malnutrition

A diet that is deficient in essential vitamins, including vitamins B and C, can also lead to swelling and inflamed gums. These vitamins are important to the maintenance and repair of your teeth and gums. It is important to eat a diet that is rich in essential vitamins to keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

Treating Puffy or Inflamed Gums

If you notice that your gums are inflamed and puffy for more than two weeks, you should call your dentist and set up an appointment. Your dentist will complete a comprehensive exam and ask some questions about when your symptoms began and how often they occur to help to determine the possible causes. X-rays may be needed to rule out some possible causes. Your dentist will also ask if you’re pregnant or if you’ve had any recent changes in your diet.

Depending on the cause of your swollen gums, your dentist will develop an appropriate treatment plan for you. They may prescribe an oral rinse to help prevent gingivitis and reduce plaque or they may recommend a specific brand of toothpaste. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to fight an infection. If your dentist determines that you have an extreme case of gingivitis, you may need a more invasive treatment. If you just noticed your puffy and inflamed gums, you can start treating them at home. Make sure to increase your brushing and flossing but do your best to keep it gentle to not further irritate your gums. You can also try rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution to rid your mouth of bacteria. Drinking extra water will help stimulate the production of saliva and weaken any disease-causing bacteria in the mouth.

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