How Long do Swollen Gums Last?
When your gums are swollen, red, or irritated–it cannot end soon enough. Like a canker sore that is terrorizing your lip, swollen gums are a constant source of agony. There are some at home tips that can help to assuage your discomfort. First though, let’s try to isolate some of the most common causes of irritation.
Common causes of Swollen Gums
* Gum Disease and Gingivitis- Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease in America. Gum disease occurs when foreign matter, usually in the form of old food, enters the gumline and festers with harmful bacteria. This harmful bacteria eats away at tooth roots and causes inflammation. Swelling is always inflammation, whether from proteins, immune response, cytokine, or physical injury.
* Infection- Infection and disease go hand in hand. Once the bacteria has entered into the gumline it finds a home within the tissue it destroys. This can leech harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, creating way worse problems for you. If your swollen gums lead to a fever, you need to go see a professional promptly.
* Pregnancy- The most beautiful thing the human body is capable of is very taxing for the body responsible for it. Pregnancy causes increased risk for gum disease, gum infection, gum bleeding, and swollen gums. Pregnancy requires frequent visits to all your doctors, dentists included.
* Physical damage- Were you hit in the face or jaw recently? Blunt trauma can burst blood vessels in your gums and cause inflammation, just like a bump on the noggin. Take care of the area over time, ice it frequently, and keep it clean.
* Malnutrition- Vitamin deficiencies are also linked with gum infections and swollen gums.
* Allergies- Allergic reactions cause by food or airborne particles can cause sensitivity in your gums and swelling of the gums, tongue, or throat.
How long do Swollen Gums last?
Well, it depends on the cause. If the cause is persistent, you must treat the cause and treat the symptoms. If the cause is an irritant, you can treat the symptoms and remove the cause. The best thing to do for sure is to treat the symptoms, and make an appointment with your dental care team and a hygienist.
Treat your swollen gums
1. Clean your mouth- Most gum disease, infection, and swelling can be treated with consistent dental hygiene. This is a fact, most people who develop swollen gums do not take enough precaution with dental hygiene. It does not mean anyone is bad, it just means they are not paying enough attention. Brush your teeth AND gums, gently. Use toothpaste, your dentist may prescribe one specifically for your gums. Use mouthwash. Floss gingerly between all of your teeth, following the contours of each tooth.
2. Salt water rinse- This will help to soothe your gums and jaw, and should reduce blood flow to the area.
3. Ice- Use a hot or cold compress, usually ice, to soothe the affected area. Be sure not to leave either on too long.
4. Make an appointment- See someone who has a degree in dental health. Let them advise you on whether this is a hygiene related issue, or something deeper.