Swollen Gums – The Most Common Dental Problems
The most common dental problems among adults and one of the leading causes of tooth loss is swollen gum. It is one type of periodontal disease, in which, tissues and bone that support the teeth develops an infection. Swollen gums can become very harmful and can cause teeth to become loose or fall out, if it is left untreated.
Some may inherit this habit but in most cases, the occurrence of swollen gums is due to the individuals’ lifestyle. The food that we eat can put us at risk of developing gum disease, particularly if we fail to brush our teeth after eating. Also, getting rid of plaque can be harder if you have dental braces. Moreover, a poor diet, inadequate sleep, and too much stress can leave you more susceptible to infection anywhere in the body including the gums.
According to research, women have higher risk of gum disease than men. An increase in female sex hormone during puberty can make a girl’s gums more sensitive to irritation while some women may experience a bit of bleeding gums in the days before their period. Typically this factor adds to the number of swollen gums cases among women.
But the severe cause of gum disease is smoking tobacco cigarettes. It does not only lead to bad breath and stained teeth. Recent studies proved that smoking is the leading cause of gum disease. People who smoke tobacco cigarettes are more likely to have plaque and tartar build-up and to acquire advanced gum disease. It is common among smokers to have swollen gums and they just ignore it. They are also more likely to develop mouth cancer.
Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? Bleeding or swollen gums are common signs of gum disease. Now, if plaque from teeth and gums isn’t removed by good daily oral care, it will harden into crust called tartar. And, once tartar forms, it starts to destroy gum tissue which then causes gums to bleed and pull away from the teeth.
Periodontitis, on the other hand, is a more advanced form of gum disease. At this phase, gums become weakened and gingival pockets form around the base of the teeth. The bacterial pool in these pockets may further destruct the gums. As it spreads, it would damage gum tissue and when it spread to areas of the jawbone, this can cause the teeth to become loose and fall out. As with all medical issues, advanced diseases always start from mild cases.
If you notice any sign of gum disease, it is best to see your dentist right away. Discoloration of gums is one sign of gum disease. Healthy gums look pink and firm, not red, tender, or swollen gums. Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the mouth so it is important that plaque is kept at bay by brushing and flossing everyday, as well as visiting the dentist regularly.
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