What Does It Mean to Have Swollen Gums?

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease affecting the tissue surrounding the teeth. Teeth that bleed when you brush and floss is a primary symptom of ginigivitis. While gingivitis causes red and swollen gums that can bleed easily, the gums usually do not hurt. If gingivitis is left untreated, gum disease can get worse causing gums to recede, leaving areas where bacteria can grow and do serious damage. Periodontal disease then spreads below the gums to the tissue and bones supporting the teeth. Although bad breath and loose teeth may be symptoms of periodontal disease, it's important to recognize the other signs and treat the condition immediately.

Warning

• Infections can get worse if swollen gums are neglected, eventually leading to advanced periodontal disease and tooth loss. Smoking and drinking carbonated drinks both appear to increase the risk of gum disease. Smoking dries the mouth, giving bacteria a dry environment in which to thrive. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause gum disease as well. Smoking and drinking alcohol often lead to dehydration by decreasing the production of saliva, which is needed to neutralize bacteria and prevent gum disease.

Prevention/Solution

• In most cases, gum disease is preventable. Proper oral hygiene is by far the best protection against swollen gums and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental checkups and eating a well-balanced diet are necessary steps for keeping gums healthy. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush if gums bleed from brushing with a stiffer brush. Since a toothbrush is the most common breeding ground for germs and harmful bacteria, you should change to a new toothbrush every month.

Potential

• The infection from swollen gums can spread to other areas of the body through the bloodstream if left untreated causing fever, heart attack and even stroke. Diseases, which lower the immune system, can make a person more vulnerable to gum disease by reducing the person's ability to fight the bacteria that cause gum disease. Gum disease is frequently a side effect of taking aspirin and other prescription medications, which do not allow the blood to clot. Ill-fitting dentures can also lead to swollen gums. If caught early enough, swelling should go away once the problem is resolved.

Considerations

• Gum disease can be treated in different ways. The earliest and most non-invasive treatment is scheduling professional dental cleaning more than the usual two times each year. Another non-surgical procedure, which is done under a local anesthetic, involves scraping away plaque below the gum line of the teeth. If gum disease is left to deteriorate, surgery may be required. In some cases, bone grafts are needed to replace bone and tissue destroyed by periodontal disease. Tissue grafts taken from the roof of the mouth are used to restore tissue where gums have receded. Flap surgery procedures are sometimes performed to lift back the gums and remove tartar. Gum tissue is then fitted closely around the tooth decreasing the chance of developing more serious health problems related to bacteria growth and gum disease.

Misconceptions

• Bleeding and swollen gums are not always signs of gingivitis. Brushing teeth too hard can cause gums to swell as well. However, gum disease is most likely the reason why some people's teeth appear to get larger as they grow older. Gum lines receding from gum disease give the impression that teeth are bigger, and reports estimate that about 50 percent of older adults have periodontal disease.

Theories/Speculation

• Recent studies suggest that people who suffer from gum disease may be more at risk for cardiovascular disease and heart attack. Gum disease may also put individuals at greater risk for diabetes and respiratory disease. Other research shows that babies born to women with gum disease are seven times more likely to be born prematurely or at a lower birth weight.

Expert Insight

• Dental experts point out that periodontal disease can be passed from one person to another when family members store their toothbrushes together in the same container. Dentists recommend storing toothbrushes separately in a clean, dry place to prevent spreading airborne germs. Do not store them in a closed container. Clean toothbrushes once each week by soaking in an antibacterial mouthwash for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly before storing upright to air dry naturally.