{"id":234,"date":"2019-09-27T17:43:13","date_gmt":"2019-09-27T17:43:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weldondentistry.com\/blog\/?p=234"},"modified":"2019-10-16T17:43:37","modified_gmt":"2019-10-16T17:43:37","slug":"4-reasons-for-swollen-gums-and-what-to-do-about-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weldondentistry.com\/blog\/4-reasons-for-swollen-gums-and-what-to-do-about-them\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Reasons for Swollen Gums and What to Do About Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Swollen<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When you brush and\nfloss before bed, don\u2019t forget to check your gums. How do they look? Do they\nappear redder and more swollen than normal? If so, there\u2019s a good chance that\nyou have gum disease or could develop gum disease soon; if left untreated, this\ncondition could cost you your teeth and put you at risk for a heart attack. Here\nare 4 possible causes for swollen gums \u2013 as well as what to do about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Gingivitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease; it occurs when\nthe bacteria and plaque near your gum line cause the soft tissues to become\nswollen and irritated. Your gums will tend to bleed easily whenever you brush,\nfloss or bite down on something hard. While gingivitis can be easily treated\nand might even be reversed by good oral health habits, if it\u2019s left alone it\u2019ll\nbecome periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease that can lead to tooth\nloss. You should contact your dentist right away if you think you might have\ngingivitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Pregnancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pregnancy can cause a lot of changes in your body. Notably,\nit can increase the flow of blood to your gums, causing them to swell. You need\nto take especially good care of your mouth during this time; the hormone\nchanges will hurt the body\u2019s ability to fight against bacteria. This can make\nthe development of gingivitis more likely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Infection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease isn\u2019t the only kind of infection that can make\nyour gums swell. Herpes, thrush and tooth decay can also have an effect on your\ngums. It\u2019s important to have your gums checked as soon as you start seeing\ntroublesome symptoms so that they can be accurately diagnosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Vitamin Deficiency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin C (which is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli,\nsprouts and berries) is important for keeping your mouth healthy; without it,\nyou could easily develop gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Do If Your Gums are Swollen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After having your gums checked and treated by your dentist,\nthere are a few things you can do to treat your swollen gums at home. For\nexample:<\/p>\n\n\n\n