Five Potential Explanations for Your Swollen and Inflamed Gums
It’s conceivable that you’ll develop gum issues no matter how diligent you are at brushing and flossing on a regular basis. The best way to avoid this problem is to not only take care of your teeth at home, but also to see California Dental Group for cleanings and exams on a regular basis.
What is the cause of gum disease?
It’s not usually because of gum disease that your gums are irritated. That said, it’s critical to comprehend the prevalence of gum disease and the severity with which it can manifest. Consider the following figures:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately half of all Americans suffer from gum disease in some form. Keep in mind that this might be a small or major issue. It’s the most important reason to keep an eye on gum inflammation. However, keep reading to learn about some of the other possible causes of inflammatory gums.
- Tobacco
- There’s a problem with your diet
- It might be caused by medications
- Inadequate home care
- You haven’t visited your dentist in quite some time
There’s no getting around it: smoking is bad for your health in almost every aspect. If you smoke, you’re well aware of this, but keep in mind that smoking also has an impact on your teeth and gums. If you chew tobacco or use any other “smokeless” form of tobacco, keep in mind that this might lead to gum disease and inflammation.
Naturally, any doctor or medical expert will advise their patients to eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. You might not know it, but some vitamin shortages can have an impact on your dental health. For example, if you are deficient in Vitamin C or D, your irritated gums might be the result of this. Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory that also helps to strengthen your immune system. Vitamin D can aid in the prevention of oral infections.
If you’ve recently switched prescriptions and found that your gums were irritated and started bleeding shortly after, it’s possible that your new meds are to blame. Seizure medicines, some birth control pills, and some blood pressure meds are just a few of the frequent medications that might cause inflammation as a side effect. Any drug that thins your blood might make your gums more sensitive, making them more prone to bleeding.
If you’re not brushing and flossing your teeth sufficiently, you’re probably well aware that it might be the cause of irritated gums. However, if you brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day, your home regimen should be sufficient. It’s possible that this isn’t the case! Brushing or flossing your teeth too hard might harm your gums.
How long has it been since you last saw a dentist in California? If it’s been more than six months since you last saw a doctor, you could just need a full exam. If that’s the case, call California Dental Group right now at (800) 407-0161 to get started.
