Swollen Gums: Why Do Gums Swell and Bleed?

Is brushing your teeth painful? Do you find yourself spitting out blood into the sink along with your toothpaste?

You’re not alone. Studies suggest that almost half of all Canadians experience the same thing (to some extent and at some point during their lives).

If you have swollen gums that tend to bleed, then you are likely struggling with periodontal or gum disease. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your gums and why you should take care of the problem ASAP.

How to Deal with Swollen Gums

There are three things you can do to help deal with swollen gums.

The first is to brush and floss gently to avoid further irritation. You shouldn’t stop brushing because your gums hurt: it will only cause the plaque to build up more and cause bacteria to grow.

Second, you can rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution. It will soothe the tissues and get rid of bacteria in your mouth. Stay away from strong mouthwashes, which are likely to bother your gums.

Third, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for a professional cleaning.

Why Deep Cleaning is so Important for Gum Disease

Once you reach the point where your gums are inflamed and sensitive, there’s not much you can do to turn back the clock at home.

For mild cases of gingivitis, professional dental cleaning is important. They can remove all traces of plaque from your teeth to help your gums calm down. If your gingivitis progressed into full-blown periodontal disease, you also need a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing).

The deep clean removes the bacteria and plaque from your gums to prevent further infection and preserve your gums, teeth, and jaw bone.

You can then supplement those cleanings by brushing and flossing at home according to your dentist’s instructions.

A Healthy Mouth Needs Healthy Gums

Poor dental hygiene impacts more than your breath and smile. A build-up of plaque and bacteria causes your gums to become infected and then inflamed. Swollen gums are a sign of periodontal disease, and if you don’t protect them early, you could even risk tooth loss.

Professional cleanings by your dentist go a long way to keeping your gums and mouth healthy.

Are your gums sore when you brush your teeth? It’s time to visit the dentist. Schedule your next appointment with our online booking form.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease refers to an infection of the tissue surrounding your teeth. Swollen, bloody gums are the product of inflammation, which is an early stage of periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease begins to afflict people in their 30s, and men are more likely than women to get gum disease.

Gum-related disorders must be detected early to be adequately treated before it is too late. Gum disease’s early stages are frequently painless, allowing it to go undiscovered until it’s too late. It starts out in a mild form called gingivitis. But if you don’t take care of it, your gums can become very swollen, red, and sensitive, which is a sign of further infection. If left untreated for a long time, your gums will become even more tender. The infection can even lead to bone and tooth loss.

That being said, how can you identify the early signs of gum damage?

Common Signs of Gum Disease

The following are some of the most prevalent indicators of gum disease that most individuals overlook:-

1. Receding Gums

Teeth that seem lengthier than they were previously may be due to the receding gums that support them. Gum recession is a symptom of advanced gum disease. Gum disease progresses to the point where these pockets become deeper, and the illness worsens until permanent tooth loss is required.

2. Plaque and Tartar

Plaque and tartar can harm your oral health. Plaque is a sticky, transparent, or yellow substance that contains bacteria or germs. Every day, new plaque forms on your teeth to the point where your teeth touch your gums. 

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth every day, the plaque hardens and turns into calculus, commonly known as tartar.

Tartar, a hard calcified deposit that forms on teeth and contributes to deterioration, can develop an infection at the “point of attachment” between your gums and your teeth.

3. Bleeding Gums

After brushing and flossing, your gum tissue should never bleed. Bacteria buildup beneath the gum tissue might cause your gums to bleed after cleaning if you do not floss routinely. Inflammation can cause your gums to bleed, as well as make them tender and inflamed.

4. Tooth Sensitivity

Gum recession can cause a lot of sensitivity in your teeth. Sensitivity might be a sign of gum disease in these circumstances. Gum tissue that has been inflamed for a long time uncovers the root surface of the teeth, making them more sensitive. 

Tooth decay, sensitivity, and tooth loss are all more likely when tooth roots are exposed. If you have tooth sensitivity, go to your dentist to discover if it’s caused by gum disease.

5. Stinky Breath

A collection of plaque on the teeth can create bad breath or halitosis that won’t go away despite brushing and flossing. Plaque’s toxin-forming coating often leaves a lingering unpleasant taste in the mouth.

6. Changes in Teeth Alignment

If you bite down and notice that your alignment has changed, it could be an early sign of gum disease. The underlying supporting tissue of the teeth is frequently attacked, resulting in a shift in how the teeth fit together when you bite. 

The bones, teeth, and gums are linked together by ligaments and bones. If this supporting tissue is lost, it can cause a shift in your bite and, in the worst-case scenario, permanent tooth loss.

What Can Happen If You Ignore the Early Signs?

When infection takes hold beneath the gum tissue, your teeth can become loose. The body’s reaction system causes the gum pockets to deepen as the condition progresses. 

Gingivitis and periodontitis cause the body’s immune system to fight the gum tissue, which causes the bone around the teeth to deteriorate. The loss of gum tissue and bone can quickly lead to permanent tooth loss.

Conclusion

Gum disease can be prevented by brushing and flossing properly, but it’s also important to visit the dentist regularly. It is vital to eliminate dangerous plaque that cannot be removed at home to avoid gingivitis. 

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss once a day to eliminate any food particles left behind. Visiting your dentist twice a year for expert cleanings will provide you with peace of mind while also allowing your dentist to monitor for early signs of gum disease.