What are inflamed gums?
Inflamed gums appear red, puffy and swollen. They may also feel sore, particularly when you brush. Inflammation of the gums is a common symptom of gum disease. Fortunately, inflammation of the gums can often be addressed with a simple intervention. Here at Denmark Street Dental, we have several techniques and methods we can adopt to get your gum health back on track.
What causes inflamed gums?
Inflamed gums can be linked to the following causes:
Plaque
Plaque is the reason gum disease strikes. Once it builds up along the gum line and is not removed regularly, you may begin to suffer from the early onset of gum disease (gingivitis), which can irritate the gums. The earlier plaque is removed, the faster your gums will be able to return to their prior healthy condition.
Mouth Ulcers
Ulcers that appear on your gums can cause pain and swelling. These can generally be treated with an antimicrobial mouthwash, though we recommend coming in to see us if ulcers persist.
Gum Abrasion
Being overzealous with your brushing can irritate the fragile tissue that sits over the top of your gums. Applying gentle techniques and using an electric toothbrush with an oscillating head can remedy this. It may feel more productive to apply pressure when brushing your teeth, but this will only cause problems in the long term.