The gums are an essential part of your oral health. It is made of a firm and pink tissue made to cover the bones of your teeth. The tissue forms a seal to support the bones and provide protection against bacteria. It is important to take good care of them to achieve a healthy overall oral health. But sometimes, complications do happen. One of the common complications is when it gets inflamed. Talk to us, we can help.

What Swollen Gums Look Like

How do you tell it apart from a healthy gingival tissue? Here are a few distinctions between a healthy and an inflamed gum:

Healthy

• Light pink or coral in color. It can also be a natural tissue color throughout the mouth.

• Gum lines are flat and smooth.

• There is a small protrusion between the tooth (pointed papilla).

• Does not bleed when you gum or floss.

• You don’t experience pain or discomfort.

Swollen

• Dark pink, red, purple or blue.

• Rolled margin along with the teeth.

• Blunted or no papilla in between the teeth.

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing.

• Discomfort due to severe pain.

What Causes Swollen Gums

A common cause of it getting swollen is due to a bacterial plaque. These while, and filmy debris forms around the gum lines and the surface of the teeth. Not only do these cause cavities, but gum infections as well. The plaque that builds up along the margin of the gum lines creep underneath the gum pocket; thus, infecting it inside.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common cause of swollen gums. It causes it to become irritated and swollen. The symptoms of gingivitis are quite mild; therefore, it may already be too late when they visit the dentist because they feel excruciating pain. If left untreated, this could lead to a more serious condition like tooth loss and periodontitis.

Pregnancy

Inflamed gums can happen during pregnancy. It is due to the rush of hormones that the body produces that increases the blood flow. This increased blood flow can cause it to get easily irritated; thus, the swelling.

Malnutrition

A person deficient in vitamins B and C can cause the gums to swell. Vitamin C is essential in the maintenance and repairs it. If Vitamin C is low, you could develop scurvy. Scurvy can cause gum disease and anemia.

Infection

The infections caused by viruses and bacteria is another major contributor to this. For example, if you have Thrush, your gums will get inflamed. Thrush is a result of the growth of a naturally occurring yeast in the mouth. Untreated dental decay can lead to swelling, as well.