SWOLLEN OR PUFFY GUM: WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT YOUR DENTIST?

Imagine waking up to a throbbing pain in your gums, along with a swelling that makes it miserable to eat or even speak. Most of us experience swollen or puffy gums at some point in our lives.

Occasional swelling in your gum can arise from improper brushing or consuming certain foods. However, persistent or severe irritation in your gum points to some serious underlying problem. So, when do you think you should visit your dentist and get the gum infection cured?

Let’s take a look at the common reasons behind this type of gum inflammation. We have also discussed the signs indicating that you should consult your dentist.

COMMON REASONS BEHIND PUFFY GUMS

You may experience puffy gums with localized pain due to the following reasons.

1. POOR ORAL HYGIENE

At times, debris from food gets stuck between your gum line and tooth. If you fail to brush off those particles, it can lead to the build-up of plaque, causing gum inflammation around the particular tooth. Ignoring the issue over time can lead to gum disease or dental decay.

Some of the other signs pointing towards poor oral hygiene include:

2. PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease refers to gum infections that affect around 46% of people aged above 30. This happens due to plaque build-up, which eventually hardens to become tartar. It is even more difficult to remove.

Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

If you have gingivitis, you will experience swollen or puffy gums. Although this condition can be cured, it can also lead to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums tend to pull away or recede from the tooth. The bone supporting the tooth sustains damage. The affected tooth can loosen and at times, it can even fall out.

Symptoms of periodontitis include:

3. DENTAL ABSCESS

Dental abscess is a common issue causing puffy gum with inflammation. Under this condition, pus forms within or around a tooth following a bacterial infection. When this infection spreads and enters the jawbone from the root tip, it is known as a dental abscess. This is a serious condition, and ignoring it may cause the infection to spread to your head or neck.

WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST FOR PUFFY GUM?

It’s advisable to see your dentist if you experience puffy gums consistently for a few days. Usually, dentists recommend image tests to detect the underlying issue. Make sure not to neglect your gums, as it can lead to serious issues that may require surgery if not addressed in time.

Book an emergency dentist in case of any of the following symptoms.

The most pressing concern over gum swelling is the chance of an infection. Experienced dentists efficiently drain the pockets and prescribe antibiotics. Under severe cases, they might also recommend a root canal or dental crown.

HOW DO DENTISTS TREAT PUFFY GUMS?

Dentists treat puffy gums based on the underlying cause which they detect during their diagnosis. In case the inflammation occurs due to periodontitis, they recommend gum treatments involving antibiotics. Flossing or brushing, along with deep dental cleanings like tooth scaling can cure your gum.

At times, dentists go for advanced procedures like laser treatments and osseous surgery. These treatments reduce pus pockets around the teeth. If the swelling is localized around one tooth, it might be due to a dental abscess. In such cases, treatment options include tooth extraction or root canal therapy.

Puffy gums may also occur due to other reasons apart from gum diseases. For instance, deficiencies in vitamins or diabetes can cause swollen gums.

ANY WORRIES? CONTACT YOUR DENTIST!

At Centre Dentaire Olympique, we continue to be one of the best teams of dentists. With our experience and training, we can treat your puffy gums to relieve you of the discomfort. Patients benefit from our sophisticated treatment techniques, upgraded infrastructure, and professional care. Reach out to us and schedule an appointment to get your swollen gums treated.