Swollen gums are often one of the first signs of periodontal or gum disease. More commonly known as gingivitis, periodontal disease is a major infections suffered by Americans. As published by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research data and not enough brushing and using dental floss is the number one cause of gum disease that inflammation of the gums is a symptom. The good news is that in most cases, inflammation of the gums is preventable.
Causes
Gum inflammation can be caused by a number of different factors, but the most common cause is an infection resulting from the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. The bacteria in plaque cause a buildup of fluid and white blood cells in the area, causing the gums or gum to swell. Pregnant women, postmenopausal women and teenagers going through puberty often experience gum inflammation, probably due to changes in hormone levels in the body. Deficiencies of vitamin B, vitamin C, calcium and niacin can also cause gums to swell. Supplements, including vitamin D and eating a nutritious diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables may be all that is needed for the treatment of gingivitis caused by nutrient deficiency.
Prevention/Solution
The gums can become inflamed as a result of inflammation due to poor oral hygiene. From sticky plaque at the base of the teeth is what causes the gums to become inflamed, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, especially before bedtime, can help prevent plaque formation. Proper tooth brushing technique involves moving the brush in a circular motion, small. Eating and drinking dishes, glasses and utensils that have not been properly washed and sterilized also transmit the bacteria that can cause gum disease.
Home remedies
Massage swollen gums with a mixture of table salt or baking soda and a pinch of turmeric can help ease the pain often associated with inflammation of the gums. Use your finger or a clean cotton swab to massage the gums at least twice a day to increase blood circulation to the area. Make it gargle with a solution of warm water and over? Teaspoon of salt is probably one of the most common home remedies to treat inflammation of the gums. You should gargle several times a day for temporary relief.
Some dentists recommend gargling with a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide 3 percent to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce swelling. Always rinse your mouth after gargling. You can also rub lemon peel gums or add 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of 8 ounces of juice freshly squeezed lemon diluted in water and drinks. Another popular remedy is to apply a few drops of clove oil on the gums with a clean cotton swab.
Other treatments
Relief for inflamed gums sores by rinsing with a mouthwash that contains essential oils in the ingredients. Echinacea tincture of chamomile and peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Another option is to buy toothpaste with zinc and bloody grass. The alkaloids in the bloody help reduce plaque formation, such fighting bacteria that cause gum disease mode. You can also brush your teeth with baking soda, which is easier on the gingival tissue that chemicals found in most commercial tooth pastes. Drinking green tea is another soothing remedy for inflammation of the gums. Compounds found in the grass can cause less plaque formation.
Risk factors
Taking certain medications can cause the gums to become inflamed. Drugs used to treat cancer, arthritis and other conditions that affect the autoimmune system of a person affect the pH of the saliva in the mouth, encouraging bacteria to grow. Seizure medications, antidepressants and drugs used to treat some heart conditions may increase the risk of gum disease as well. Once medication is stopped, the swelling usually decreases. Smokers and people who use other snuff products are also more likely to develop gum disease, such as people with diabetes are more likely to develop any kind of infection. Treatment of underlying medical conditions should prevent or slow the progression of disease related gums.
WARNING
The same bacteria responsible for the infection that causes the gums to swell can travel from the mouth of the lining of the heart through the bloodstream. If an inflammation called endocarditis results, the condition can be life threatening. Some studies also suggest a link between gum disease and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.