How long do swollen gums last?
When you are dealing with red, puffy, swollen gums your first thought is probably “how quickly can I get rid of this?” The process takes time, but the sooner you start taking action to care for the inflammation and treat the symptoms, the sooner you can get back to normal.
What is causing the swollen gums?
You need to determine what the root cause is based on the symptoms. Are your gums red and irritated? Bleeding? Do you practice good hygiene? Do you have BMS or a history of gum disease? These questions will help you decide what the most advantageous course of action will be.
- Burning Mouth Syndrome- BMS is an idiopathic condition, meaning it is not conclusive what causes it. Your mouth, tongue, gums, and jaw can feel a burning sensation which can cause inflammation. Practice good oral hygiene, and try different kinds of toothpastes and mouthwashes to see if this alleviates discomfort. If you think you have BMS, consult with your dental care professional for additional support
- Gum Disease-Gum disease is the most common cause of gum swelling, because so many people experience gum disease in their lives. Bacteria and other material cause complications within your gums, leading to infection. This infection can cause much greater damage if not treated properly, with longstanding negative results like tooth loss. Make sure you feel confident in your dental hygiene routine, and then seek additional assistance from dental professionals for gaps in your process.
Soothing the pain of swollen or “burning gums”
If you are experiencing sensitive, red, swollen, puffy, bleeding, or burning gums you should avoid things that irritate them further. Things to avoid include
- Tobacco and Nicotine- The chemicals in these products are conducive with bleeding, swelling and inflammation, and harmful bacteria.
- Alcohol- Alcohol can cause swelling in your mouth, and it can alter your blood alcohol level which may affect the swelling in your mouth negatively.
- Carbonated drinks- As much as everyone loves LaCroix, flat water will be kinder to your teeth, gums, and the enamel of your smile.
- Chewing gum- Minty or cinnamon gum may irritate your gums further, while chewing gum can help to strengthen the muscles of your gum, you do not want to exercise these muscles while they're in pain.
- Spicy foods-I love it, you love it, we all love it. But a break from it may be necessary to allow your mouth to heal, and adjust to your new hygiene routine.
- Mouthwash with Alcohol-They are readily available and you want to limit things that elicit burning sensations in your mouth.
Practice good hygiene
Brush twice a day and floss as often as is comfortable. Try your best to eliminate the possibility of food lingering in between your teeth. The less debris there is in your mouth, the less chance harmful bacteria can accumulate in that area.
See your Dentist regularly
If you feel like you are doing everything you can to clean and protect your teeth, make a Dental appointment today. It may be time to see someone and seek professional help.