Inflamed Gums: Causes & Treatments

If you have swollen, inflamed gums, then serious discomfort may become a factor. The most common cause of inflammation is gum disease, but poor oral hygiene, improper brushing or flossing, tobacco use, medical treatments, hormone changes, and irritation from dental appliances such as dentures or braces can also play a role.

According to the CDC, nearly half of American adults have some form of gum disease, making painful or inflamed gums a relatively common occurrence.

There are two main types of gum disease:

• Gingivitis: An early and relatively mild form of gum disease, gingivitis affects millions of Americans each year. One of the most common signs of gum disease is sensitive gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. While gingivitis isn’t a serious stage of gum disease, it’s important to treat the problem quickly to avoid any further damage to your smile.
• Periodontitis: When gingivitis is not treated in time, it can progress to the more serious type of gum infection known as periodontitis. At this point, inflamed gums are more painful and your teeth may begin coming loose. That’s because periodontitis has started to damage the tissue that is holding your teeth in place. Dental treatment of inflamed gums and periodontitis is very important for your long-term oral health and tooth loss prevention.

You can start treating the gum inflammation by taking the following steps to get your teeth and gums back in good health

• 1st sore gums home remedy: Brush up on your brushing technique.

Brush less vigorously to avoid damaging the tissue around your teeth, which can inflame gums. Also, experts recommend using a brush with soft, nylon bristles to prevent gum damage. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush like the Oral-B iO Series 9 which comes equipped with a gum care brushing mode. The revolutionary brush also features a Smart Pressure Sensor to help keep gums protected from overbrushing. You can also brush with the Oral-B app to track any instances of gum bleeding to better catch any problems before they become serious issues.

• 2nd sore gums home remedy: Floss diligently.

Flossing removes food particles that remain in between your teeth and can cause plaque and tartar buildup, both of which can lead to gum disease and inflamed gums. Also, be gentle when flossing to avoid gum problems. To get an even deeper clean between teeth, pair traditional floss with the Oral-B Water Flosser. Its unique Oxyjet Technology uses water-enriched microbubbles of air to better remove any leftover plaque bacteria for healthier gums.

• 3rd sore gums home remedy: Rinse regularly.

Further remove food particles and debris, as well as the plaque bacteria that can lead to gum disease by adding a gum care rinse to your routine. Swish with Crest Pro-Health Gum and Breath Purify Mouthwashto help reduce gum swelling and redness for a healthier smile.

• 4th sore gums home remedy: Brush with a gum care formula.

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity and bleeding gums, you can try brushing with a Crest Gum and Sensitivity toothpaste. The unique formula gets right to the source of the issue by treating your gums for fast relief. Since a healthy mouth starts at the gum line, attention to this area is key.

• 5th sore gums home remedy: Use an anti-gingivitis toothpaste.

Consider using toothpaste like Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Restore. The unique formula is clinically proven to promote healthier gums and can help heal gums in as little as 7 days—delivering a healthier, beautiful smile.

• 6th sore gums home remedy: Improve your nutrition.

Eating a well-balanced diet can contribute to better gum health. Be sure to include plenty of Vitamin C and calcium, which can minimize the likelihood of experiencing swollen gums.

• 7th sore gums home remedy: De-Stress

High levels of stress can impact your hormone levels, particularly the hormone cortisol. Cortisol can lead to inflammation and possibly swollen gums. Try to destress as much as possible or speak to your healthcare provider for tailored recommendations for destressing solutions.

Finally, if you do suffer from inflamed gums, be sure to visit your dentist or dental hygienist for treatment recommendations. Your dental professional can help pinpoint the specific cause of the inflammation and help you get to better gum health. With the right treatment and oral care routine, you can say goodbye to inflamed gums and hello to a healthy, beautiful smile.