Swollen gums behind your teeth often signal poor oral hygiene (plaque buildup leading to gingivitis/periodontitis), infection (like pericoronitis around wisdom teeth or an abscess), or irritation from food/trauma, but can also stem from hormonal changes (pregnancy), vitamin deficiencies (especially C), certain medications, or even ill-fitting dental work, so seeing a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment is key.
Top 5 Remedies to Soothe Swollen Gums at Home
Swollen gums around one tooth in the back can be a sign of various problems such as gum disease, infection, abscess, or even a lodged foreign object. Seeking professional help promptly is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening and potentially causing complications.
In babies and toddlers, swollen gums usually indicate new teeth erupting. Teething can lead to soreness, drooling, and crankiness. You can help soothe them by gently massaging their gums or with a cold teething ring.
When swollen gums last longer than two weeks, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist. In the meantime, there are things you can do at home to ease your symptoms: Brush and floss your teeth daily.
Swollen gums
An increase in the size of the gums (known as gingival hyperplasia) is reported as a symptom in a small portion of leukaemia patients. The gum around the teeth will look swollen with inspection and you might feel a tightness in your mouth.
Anything that makes contact with your gums can cause you pain, so fine and soft bristles are always the best choice. The toothpaste marketed as “Sensitive Teeth Formula” contain special ingredients to help relieve sensitivity. When your gums are inflamed, even light brushing can cause some pain.
Pregnancy gingivitis is common. Somewhere between 60% and 75% of pregnant women experience it. Pregnancy gingivitis typically begins around the second or third month of pregnancy.
Green tea is one of the best beverages for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. It contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps fight bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gums. Drinking green tea regularly can lower your risk of developing gum disease and freshen your breath.
Often, swollen gums are accompanied by pain or toothache, but that's not always the case. Regardless of whether or not you have pain, any swelling of your gum tissue requires prompt medical attention, even if swelling is relatively mild.
From gum disease to bacterial infections, swollen gums indicate an underlying issue that requires prompt attention. Ignoring the problem may lead to severe complications, including tooth loss, abscesses, and even systemic health concerns.
The longer that plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to tooth decay, periodontitis and tooth loss.
Increased Inflammation
Stress is known to cause systemic inflammation. This heightened inflammatory state can worsen existing gum problems or trigger new ones, leading to redness, swelling, and even bleeding gums.
This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It starts with red, puffy gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. At this stage, there's no bone loss. As a result, gingivitis is totally reversible with proper treatment.
While gum disease is often caused by inadequate or improper oral hygiene, there are other factors that can contribute to inflamed and infected gums. Factors that contribute to the development of gum disease include hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle choices, medications, and general health conditions.
If any of the following signs occur, the woman should be taken immediately to the hospital or health centre.
The “2 2 2 rule” in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and visit the dentist twice a year. Following this rule helps prevent cavities and gum disease, making it a cornerstone of preventive oral care.
Of course, the best means of addressing serious gum discomfort is seeing your dentist. If your gum swelling lasts for more than a week, you're experiencing persistent bleeding when brushing or flossing, or if you notice receding gums or have chronic bad breath, it's time to see your provider.
The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' Acceptance of Listerine Gum Therapy is based on its finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in helping to prevent and reduce gingivitis (and plaque above the gumline), when used as directed.
Stage 1 – A patient has high levels of white blood cells and enlarged lymph nodes. Stage 2 – A patient has high levels of white blood cells and is anemic. He or she may also have enlarged lymph nodes. Stage 3 – A patient has high levels of white blood cells and is anemic.