What does it mean when gums are puffy?

Puffy and inflamed gums are frustrating. No matter what you have going on in your day, a nagging burning sensation in your mouth can be distracting. With proper care, you can help to ease this inflammation and reduce swelling in your gums. Puffy, irritated gums are usually a sign of gum infections, but can be caused by non-infectious circumstances as well. Once you notice gum puffiness, the most important thing is to begin treating it, with proper hygiene. You might receive comfort from something as simple as a warm saltwater slosh. Consult with your Dentist or Dental hygienist about your symptoms and see what they recommend.

Hygiene

When brushing your teeth, be sure to pay attention to your gums. After you have thoroughly, but gently, flossed between each of your teeth-pay some attention to them with your toothbrush. Some gentle circular motions should help to ensure you clear your gums from any plaque or bacteria.

When brushing your gums, remember, this is soft tissue. Your teeth may withstand some vigorous scrubbing, but your gums are more sensitive. You will want to manage your pain here, use your brush to isolate where the puffiness is most irritated, but do not over expose the area. The last thing you want is more irritation and puffiness. Use a nice mouthwash as well, this will provide cleaning to the entire ecosystem of your mouth. If particular areas of your mouth are painful while you are caring for them, make note for your Dental visit.

Flossing

As much as it may irritate your gums, or cause bleeding, you must floss regularly. No amount of mouthwash, water picking, or brushing will remove food from in between your teeth and gums as well as floss. Floss will allow you to remove particles gingerly, with special attention to the gums and roots of your teeth. Use the floss to follow the curve around each tooth and down to the gum, try not to force it into the space.

Gum disease

When your gums are puffy, red, bleeding, or painful it is likely a sign of infection. It is more common to experience gum disease in America than not, so there is no shame in dealing with this issue. It does not mean that you have done something wrong. There are probably just several hygienic changes you can make to help treat the infection and keep your gums healthy.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease in America. It can cause inflammation and bleeding in your gums. It is possible that the inflammation is painless with gingivitis, most people who have it do not even realize. As you adopt proper care and cleaning habits, the problem should clear up on its’ own.

Periodontitis

This is typically a more severe form of gum disease for which you should seek additional assistance from Dentists. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and more substantial infections and mouth pain.

When you are dealing with gum puffiness, redness, or bleeding the first thing you should do is take special care to clean and protect your teeth. You should also follow up with your Dental professional to see what precautions they recommend. Hygiene care changes may be enough, or you may need surgical or pharmaceutical intervention. Gum disease is very common and has many practical solutions. The first step is taking notice, and taking care.

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