In oral care, your main focus is likely your teeth. That’s understandable – pearly whites are visible and eye-catching! Still, don’t forget to look after your gum tissue. You might develop sore and inflamed gums otherwise. If you already have, though, there are ways of resolving the issue. Your local Frisco dentist can even suggest a few. To that end, here’s a summary of what causes gum inflammation and some helpful ways to treat it.
What Causes Sore & Inflamed Gums?
In reality, many things can make your gums sore and inflamed. The most common of these include the following:
Gingivitis
Often enough, sore and swollen gums stem from gingivitis. This condition – a mild gum disease – is caused by poor oral hygiene and eating habits.
You see, plaque builds on your gumline if you aren’t careful. It can become tartar over time, irritating the pink area around your teeth. The tissues will start to swell and bleed easily not long after.
Overbrushing
You may think there’s no such thing as overbrushing. At first glance, being forceful with the toothbrush would make your smile cleaner. The truth, though, is that this habit leads to sore gums.
Remember, gum tissue can get injured like other body parts. Adding extra pressure will irritate and pain it. That being the case, try to brush with soft, circular motions. Doing so will ease the burden on your gums and allow them to heal.
Pregnancy
Many people view pregnancy as totally unrelated to oral health. Even so, carrying a baby to term can cause gum soreness.
The reason comes down to changes in the body. When pregnant, a person will experience shifts in their hormone levels. These shifts can increase blood flow to the gums, making them sensitive and swollen.
How Can You Treat Them Effectively?
Fortunately, it’s not hard to treat gum inflammation. Just use these vital tips:
- Try Home Remedies – To reduce your gums’ pain, apply a warm compress. Alternatively, rinse with salt water to get rid of bacteria.
- Shift Home Oral Care – Avoid strong mouthwashes if your mouth is sensitive to certain ingredients. Also, brush with toothpaste designed for sensitive or inflamed gums.
- Improve Your Diet – A well-balanced diet can contribute to gum health. So, fill up on foods that have Vitamin C and calcium. Such nutrients make swollen gums less likely.
- See Your Dentist – Of course, visit your dentist for their suggestions. A dental professional can confirm the cause of the inflammation and address it.
Indeed, sore and inflamed gums should be avoided if possible. However, you can rely on the guide above to work through the problem!
About the Practice
Frisco Periodontics and Dental Implants is based in Frisco, TX. Led by Dr. Carnow, our practice offers the very best in periodontal and implant care. To that end, we perform gum disease therapies, gum grafts, implant treatments, and more! Plus, we provide dental sedation services for patients with high anxiety. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (214)-619-4990.